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Tick and spider bites: first aid

Most insect and spider bites are minor, but certain spider species and tick-borne diseases require specific care and prompt treatment.

Do this now

  1. For ticks: remove the tick immediately using fine-tipped tweezers by pulling straight out.
  2. Clean the bite area with soap and clean water or rubbing alcohol.
  3. For spider bites: wash with soap and water, apply a cold pack, and elevate the limb.
  4. Keep the tick or photograph the spider if safe to do so to help doctors identify it.
  5. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice severe pain, systemic symptoms, or a bullseye rash.

How to remove a tick safely

Prompt tick removal reduces the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections.

  1. Use fine-pointed tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin's surface as possible.
  2. Pull upward with steady, even pressure. Do not twist or jerk, as this can break off mouthparts in the skin.
  3. If mouthparts remain in the skin, leave them alone and let the skin heal, or consult a doctor.
  4. Clean the bite site thoroughly with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.
  5. Never use petroleum jelly, fingernail polish, or heat (matches) to smother a tick. Official health guidance from the CDC recommends tweezers only.

Watch the bite area for 30 days. See a doctor if you develop a bullseye rash, fever, muscle aches, or joint pain.

Dangerous spider bites

In North America and many temperate regions, two spider groups cause severe symptoms:

Black Widow Spider: - Shiny black body with a red or orange hourglass mark on the underside of the abdomen. - Bite feels like a pinprick, followed by severe muscle cramping, abdominal pain, nausea, and sweating.

Brown Recluse Spider: - Brown body with a violin-shaped mark on its head/back. - Bite causes mild stinging followed by intense pain, a blistering sore, and spreading skin tissue damage.

First aid for spider bites

  • Wash the bite area with soap and water.
  • Apply a ice pack wrapped in a cloth for 10 minutes at a time to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Elevate the bitten arm or leg if possible.
  • Seek emergency medical evaluation immediately if bitten by a Black Widow or Brown Recluse spider, or if the victim is a young child or elderly person.

... note "Outdoors safety" Wear long pants tucked into socks and use insect repellent containing DEET or Picaridin when hiking in woody or grassy areas.