Do Brown Widow Spiders Bite?

Brown widow spiders are generally much less aggressive than black widow spiders, but bites can occur under certain circumstances. These spiders are most likely to bite when they feel directly threatened or cornered. Common situations include:

Accidental Contact – If someone disturbs their web while cleaning, moving objects, or handling stored items in garages, sheds, or outdoor furniture, the spider may bite in self-defense.
Clothing or Shoes – Brown widows sometimes hide in clothing, shoes, or towels left on the floor or in storage areas. A bite can happen if a person unknowingly puts on an infested item.
Outdoor Work or Gardening – Reaching into brush, piles of wood, or under eaves where brown widows may be nesting can trigger defensive bites.
Trapped Situations – They may bite if accidentally pressed against the skin, such as when rolling over in bed, leaning against infested walls, or grabbing objects where the spider is hiding.
Pet Interaction – Curious pets, especially cats or dogs, can provoke bites when pawing at or disturbing webs.

Unlike more aggressive species, brown widows tend to retreat when possible. Bites are relatively rare because they prefer seclusion and usually only bite in defense.

Brown Widow Spider Bites

Brown widow spider bites are typically less severe than bites from black widows, but they can still cause noticeable symptoms:

Severity of Brown Widow Spider Bites

Most bites are mild and self-limiting. Many people experience only local effects without systemic complications.
Severe reactions are rare but can occur, particularly in young children, the elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.

Common Symptoms

Local pain or burning at the bite site, often within 30–60 minutes.
Redness and swelling, sometimes with a small blister or dark spot in the center.
Muscle aches or spasms in nearby muscles.
Mild systemic symptoms, such as headache, nausea, or sweating, can occasionally occur.

Risks and Complications

Systemic envenomation is uncommon. When it occurs, it is generally less intense than black widow envenomation.
Rarely, severe muscle cramps, abdominal pain, or temporary increases in blood pressure may appear.
Allergic reactions are possible in sensitive individuals, which can range from localized swelling to generalized hives.
Secondary skin infections can develop if the bite is scratched excessively.

General Prognosis

Most bites resolve within a few hours to a couple of days without medical intervention.
Hospitalization is rare, and antivenom is usually not needed, unlike for black widow bites.

When to Seek Medical Care

Difficulty breathing, dizziness, or swelling spreading rapidly beyond the bite site.
Severe muscle cramps or abdominal pain that does not improve.
Signs of infection such as increasing redness, warmth, or pus.

In essence, brown widow bites are painful but usually mild, and serious complications are rare. They are considered less medically significant than black widow bites, though caution is still warranted.

What Do Brown Widow Spider Bites Look Like?

Brown widow spider bites are generally subtle and often less dramatic than those of black widows, but they have some recognizable features:

Typical Appearance

Small, raised bump at the site of the bite, sometimes with a central puncture mark.
Redness or mild inflammation around the bite; the area may appear slightly darker or purplish in the center.
Blistering is uncommon but can occur in some individuals.
Swelling is usually localized and limited to the immediate area of the bite.

Symptoms at the Bite Site

Pain or burning sensation that may develop within 30–60 minutes.
Itching or tingling in some cases.
Minimal bruising; large hematomas are rare.

Systemic Effects (if any)

While the bite itself is usually mild, some people may experience:

Mild muscle cramps near the bite.
General symptoms like headache, nausea, or sweating, though these are less common than with black widow bites.

Key Points

Brown widow bites are often misidentified, because they can resemble bites from mosquitoes, ants, or other small spiders.
Unlike black widow bites, they rarely produce severe systemic reactions or extreme localized necrosis.

The bite usually heals within a few days with minimal medical intervention.

What To Do About Brown Widow Spider Bites

If you are bitten by a brown widow spider, the majority of cases are mild, but proper first aid and monitoring are important to reduce discomfort and prevent complications. Here’s what to do:

Stay Calm and Assess

Brown widow bites are rarely life-threatening, so remaining calm helps prevent panic and unnecessary stress, which can worsen symptoms.
Identify the spider if possible, but do not risk another bite. A photo from a safe distance is helpful for medical evaluation.

Clean the Bite

Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to reduce the risk of secondary infection.
Pat dry gently; avoid vigorous scrubbing which can irritate the skin further.

Apply Local Care

Ice or cold pack: Apply for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce pain and swelling.
Elevation: If on a limb, keep the affected area elevated to minimize swelling.
Topical treatment: Over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream or an antiseptic can soothe itching or irritation.

Manage Pain and Symptoms

Mild pain can be controlled with acetaminophen or ibuprofen as directed.
Monitor for any muscle cramps or systemic symptoms like nausea, headache, or sweating.

Seek Medical Attention If Necessary

Contact a healthcare professional if you experience:

Severe or worsening pain that is unrelieved by OTC medications.
Spreading redness, swelling, or signs of infection (pus, warmth, fever).
Significant muscle cramps, abdominal pain, or generalized systemic symptoms.
Allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or hives.

In rare severe cases, a doctor may prescribe muscle relaxants or pain management medication, but antivenom is almost never required for brown widow bites.

Observe and Document

Note the time of the bite, symptoms, and any changes over the next 24–48 hours.
Most bites resolve in 1–3 days without complication.

Prevent Future Bites

Wear gloves when handling stored items, firewood, or outdoor debris.
Shake out clothing, shoes, and towels before use.
Inspect and clean areas like garages, sheds, and eaves where brown widows are known to nest.