Huntsman Spider Bite: Everything You Need To Know

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Have you heard about a huntsman spider? Well, the creature is as interesting as their name is. In this article, we will explore some interesting facts about huntsman spider bite and much more!

Let’s begin.

What is Huntsman Spiders?

Huntsman spiders, belonging to the phylum Arthropoda, are a species of spider that is found all over the world.

Huntsman Spider Bite

These invertebrates share a common order with many well-known spider species such as the giant huntsman spider, funnel-web spiders, tarantula, and redback spider.

They get their name from their habit of hunting down prey in the open. They are also known as wood spiders (due to their fondness for environments like tree bark and woodpiles) and giant crab spiders – due to their size and the crab-like way their legs are structured.

You may find these spiders quite alarming, like most populations, particularly due to their size, shape, and speed. What’s more, they are known to jump out unexpectedly, which can startle people, adding up to the scare.

Huntsman Spider Basics

australian brown huntsman spider logo

Physical appearance

Huntsman spiders are large, fast-moving arachnids that can be alarming to humans. The physical appearance of Huntsmen spiders can vary depending on the region they are found.

However, when it commons to the color pattern, they are typically brown, grey, or black with a hairy body. Spinneret is found in the larval stage.

Huntsman spiders are aptly named for their speed and tendency to hunt prey. They are also well camouflaged, which can make them difficult to see.

Additionally, this animal species possess remarkable sight, owing to their eight-eyed anatomy.

You can distinguish Huntsmen spiders by their long thin bodies, a flat abdomen, spindly limbs (with a leg span of 9.8–11.8 inches, that are spread out, making them look very large), and their large, round eyes.

They commonly lurk high up in walls or ceilings of houses, waiting for prey to come by. 

Huntsman is not typically aggressive and will only bite humans if they feel threatened.

Where do huntsman spiders live?

Huntsman spiders are found in a different range of locations around the world.

In addition, you can locate these spiders dwelling in a variety of habitats. They can be found living under loose bark on trees, in crevices on rock walls and in logs, under rocks and slabs of bark on the ground, and on foliage.

Adult Huntsman spiders do not build webs. They are wanderers that hunt and forage for their prey.

Several species of the huntsman spider family are infamous for invading households. Additionally, you can also detect these creepy critters inside automobiles, scurrying across dashboards or lurking beneath sun visors.

Why do Huntsman Spiders invade your home?

Huntsman spiders invade homes because it is their natural reaction to feel comfortable in an environment with plenty of hiding places.

This is especially executed in the warmer months, when this group of spiders may enter your house to avoid the summer heat, in addition to searching for prospective food.

Furthermore, their ability to squeeze easily through closed doors, gaps, and windows facilitate their invading the sanctuary of your home.

Do huntsman spiders possess Jumping ability?

Huntsman spiders are known for their speed. The quickest hunters may traverse 30 to 40 times their body length in a second.

In fact, this is facilitated by the anatomically large legs of huntsman spiders, allowing them to jump quickly and spring-like manner.

This makes them difficult to catch and can sometimes lead to people being bitten by accident.

Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous?

huntsman profile

This is one of the top concerns of most household owners.

Well, the answer to the same varies depending on how you perceive ‘dangerous.’ Is the sting of these spiders fatal? NO. Huntsman poses no life-threatening risk to humans.

Nevertheless, these critters are not completely innocuous. Given that huntsman spiders are toxic, those who are bitten by them may experience localized pain, inflammation, and edoema; however, the signs are often not severe.

That said, the sting can still be fatal to people allergic to spider bites. they may exhibit any of these potential symptoms: Headaches, anaphylaxis, increased pulse rate, and nausea. In case of these, immediate medical help is advised.

Fortunately, huntsman spiders are generally non-aggressive.

Huntsman spiders are generally non-aggressive and will only bite humans if they feel threatened.

However, they cause a notable problem when defending their young; thus, if you come across a nest of a huntsman with eggs, I would highly recommend avoiding them at all costs.

That said, you can take steps to eliminate them by employing assistance from pest control professionals.

Do huntsman spiders bite?

Well, Generally docile and non-aggressive, the members of the Huntsman family do and will bite if provoked. They prefer to hide and avoid human contact, but they are capable of striking if they feel threatened or need to protect their young ones.

However, when it comes to attacking, the Huntsman spider gives out indication through its body postures.

Let me explain.

A huntsman spider will typically rear up and wave its front legs in the air when they are feeling threatened or trapped. This spider-action indicates that the huntsman is prepared for combat.

Whereas when it senses danger while hanging to a wall or the roof, it may rapidly draw its legs closer to its body, preparing for a jump in.

Thereby, if you observe a huntsman doing this, I will advise a definite retreat. Step away and allow the threatened huntsman some room.

Huntsmen venom

The venom of the Huntsman spider is not particularly toxic to humans. While there are some risks associated with a bite, it is not generally considered harmful.

However, there have been cases where people have had severe reactions to the venom, so it is always best to seek medical attention if you are bitten by a Huntsman spider.

Can Huntsman Spiders Kill You?

Although Huntsman spiders are venomous, they are not capable of killing humans. However, their bites can be quite harmful and cause a variety of symptoms. It is important to seek medical attention if you are bitten by a Huntsman spider.

Symptoms of huntsman bites

Although Huntsman spiders are venomous, their bites rarely cause any harm to humans. Symptoms of a Huntsman spider bite usually only include slight pain and swelling.

However, in some people, they may lead to the following

  • moderate nausea and discomfort, 
  • Vomiting
  • Headache
  • Irregular pulse rate
  • Sometimes even heart palpitation (rarely)

Having said that, a huntsman spider bite will not cause any serious damage; however, if you experience any other symptoms or prolonged symptoms after being bitten by a Huntsman spider, it is best to seek medical attention.

What does the Huntsman Spider Bite mark look like?

spiders bite photo

A Huntsman spider bite is generally not dangerous, but it can leave a nasty mark. The bite is characterized by puncture wounds less than a millimeter apart and a slightly inflamed space around the bite.

Treatment for Huntsman spider bite 

In case of a bite, you can undertake the steps mentioned below for first aid.

However, before we move on to that, you should begin by sitting down and trying to relax. This will help reduce the spread of venom. You should also avoid applying any pressure to the bite or trying to suck out the venom, as this can cause the venom to spread.

After that, you can follow the following steps:

  • The most important thing is to clean the wound with water and a disinfectant.
  • You should also apply ice to the bite; this will help to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Elevate the affected area, and take ibuprofen if you are in pain.
  • Finally, If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately: sweating, difficulty breathing, nausea or vomiting, and high blood pressure.

How to get rid of a huntsman spider?

Well, get getting rid of Huntsman spider (thereby avoiding their bites altogether) is quite easy; simply employ any of the methods enlisted below:

Keep your home tidy and clean.

Huntsman spiders are typically found in areas that are warm and dark. Keeping your home clean and tidy will help reduce the number of places they can hide.

You can keep your home tidy and clean by sweeping floors, vacuuming regularly, and removing spider webs.

This will also make it easier to spot them if they are present in your home.

Seal the cracks 

One of the best ways to keep Huntsman spiders from entering your home is by sealing the cracks in doors and windows. This will help to prevent them from getting inside and making your home their new habitat.

Install screens.

This is my personal favorite tip on the list, especially because I am an ardent fan of sunlight and the natural warmth.

In case you prefer the same and detest closing the windows and doors in the face of enjoying nature, I would highly recommend installing screens and maintaining them on a yearly basis in order to prevent the huntsman spider from entering your home.

Furthermore, inspect the screen frequently for any holes as the spider can easily invade your home through them.

Rid the area around your house of vegetation.

One way to reduce the chances of huntsman spiders coming into your home is to remove any vegetation from around your house. This makes it harder for them to hide and makes it more likely that they will be spotted before entering your home.

Eliminate the spider’s meal.

When these critters are present in your home, it indicates that there is a food source around.

What I am implying here is that there are probably insects, frogs, tiny reptiles, and arthropods available for huntsman spiders to consume.

Therefore, you must get rid of the insects that huntsman spiders eat in order to effectively get rid of these critters.

Scatter dichotomous earth around your home.

Dichotomous earth is a powder made from fossils that are used to control spiders. It can be scattered around your home to help keep them at bay. The powder works by sticking to the spiders’ bodies and drying them out, leading to their death.

Use natural oils and vinegar. 

The scents of tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, and citrus are repulsive to spiders.

You can make your DIY spray by adding about 15 to 20 drops of the preferred essential oil to a regular spray bottle of water.

Spray down your home’s crevices and edges. If that doesn’t work, try spraying the troublesome spider with vinegar for a stronger solution.

DIY Traps

There are a few different ways to remove Huntsman spiders from your home using DIY traps. One way is to use a jar with some Vaseline on the inside. The spiders will get stuck in the Vaseline and can then be removed from the jar.

Another way is to use a plastic bottle with water and dish soap. The spiders will get stuck in the soap and can then be removed from the bottle.

In both cases, the huntsman spider will be unable to climb the walls of the DIY trap, and you can release it outside.

Employ Professional Help

A professional pest control expert should be contacted if there are a lot of huntsman spiders in your home, especially because this can be an indication of an infestation.

In this such situations, employing professional help is highly recommended.

Conclusion

As you now know, though Huntsman spiders are not venomous, they can bite humans when threatened, and their bites often result in swelling and redness. However, they are not particularly aggressive.

In case you are facing an infestation of Huntsman spider, you can employ any of the above-mentioned methods to eliminate these critters and avoid their bites altogether. 

About the author

A biotechnologist by profession and a passionate pest researcher. I have been one of those people who used to run away from cockroaches and rats due to their pesky features, but then we all get that turn in life when we have to face something.