Many people fear a spider bite. Especially at night, when the eight-legged creatures go hunting, people are afraid of them. But do spiders actually bite people while they sleep?
In a nutshell
- Spiders do not specifically attack humans
- at night the animals are on the prowl
- they sometimes get lost on beds, sofas and other sleeping places when hunting
- if they are crushed or feel threatened by humans, they will bite
- Bites resemble mosquito, bee or wasp stings in non-allergic people
Do spiders bite people?
If you're wondering whether a spider bite during bedtime is possible, unfortunately you'll have to settle for a yes. Spider bites can happen overnight, especially if the animals stray into the house. Bedrooms are not spared from their presence. However, especially in Central Europe, it is very rare for you to be bitten by one of the animals at night. But why are spider bites more common in your own four walls at night? The reason for this is the behavior of the animals. They only bite people randomly and not intentionally when engaging in the following activities:
Source: giggel, Oberhausen 2010-05-01 - Spyder-Man - panorama, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY 3.0
- foraging
- territorial defence
- pairing
- Finding a new nesting site
Notice: Over the mating season, many spider species are more active, increasing the possibility of an overnight confrontation.
Causes of a bite
As already mentioned, spiders only bite when the animals feel threatened or cannot find a way out. It is precisely this defensive behavior that cannot be controlled during sleep. In addition, humans are significantly larger and this can lead to a variety of situations in which a bite is the last resort for the animal. The following should be mentioned here:
- animal is beaten
- is squeezed
- gets caught in clothing
- is held
The large tremor spider often gets lost in houses and apartments.
Notice: If you keep dangerous spider species such as the Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria nigriventer) or Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus), you should keep the terrarium well closed overnight. Such dangerous species are often more aggressive, making an even fatal bite possible.
frequently asked Questions
What is the most poisonous spider species in Germany?Germany is not considered a paradise for dangerous poisonous spiders. However, there are two species in particular whose bite can cause unpleasant pain. These are the water spider (Argyroneta aquatica) and the nurse's thorn finger (Cheiracanthium punctorium). The bite of the garden spider (Araneus diadematus) can also hurt a bit. They are only dangerous for allergy sufferers, but do not stray into human dwellings.
Are there spiders poisonous to humans that live in houses?Yes, the electric spiders (Pholcidae) should be mentioned here. The species are often confused with harvestmen (Opiliones) because of their appearance. They are considered slightly poisonous, but their mouthparts cannot penetrate human skin. Therefore, you do not have to worry about the animals.
What must be considered after a spider bite?If you are allergic to insect venom, you should see a doctor or hospital as soon as possible. Therefore, pay particular attention to allergic reactions. Never scratch the wound, otherwise pathogens can get into it, which in turn can lead to infectious diseases. Cool the bite wounds to reduce itching.