Spider Bite vs. Mosquito Bite – What’s the Difference?

Is It a Mosquito or Spider Bite? How to Identify the Bite!

Finding a bump on your body is unsettling when you’re unsure of its origin. Most insect bites have one thing in common: a red swollen lump. Two common culprits of bites are mosquitoes and spiders, but it can be hard to tell the difference between the two. Learn how to distinguish the difference between spider and mosquito bites.

How to Spot the Difference Between a Mosquito Bite and a Spider Bite

To tell the difference between spider and mosquito bites, start by using context clues. Consider your location when you got the bite, what it looks like, and your symptoms. Then you can make an educated guess about what bit you.

Step 1: Consider Your Surroundings

If you are somewhere warm and humid or near standing water, you’re in ideal mosquito habitat. Mosquitos are most active at dawn and dusk – out of the heat of the day.

A dirty swimming pool can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. This can make your yard the perfect space for them to thrive. Contact ASP – America’s Swimming Pool Company for professional pool cleaning services to prevent mosquitoes from making a home in your surroundings!

Step 2: Look at the Bite

Spider bite characteristics most often include a red raised bump or blister. Some spiders will leave two puncture marks at the site of the bite, and it might be slightly itchy and sore, however, the itch is not usually as strong or immediate as a mosquito bite and the sensation tends to be closer to a bruise than an itch. The skin around the bite may also become swollen.

Mosquito bites are often accompanied by some swelling around the bite site and a red puffy bump. The bite will also be itchy immediately after the bite. In some instances, you can see a small single puncture from where the mosquito bit.

When comparing mosquito vs. spider bites, spider bites tend to become swollen around the site of the bite while mosquito bites are often in a smaller raised bump that goes away after a few days.

Step 3: Check Your Symptoms

Common symptoms of a spider bite include a small blister or bump and a little itch. If your bite is from a venomous spider or if you have an allergy to the bite, some additional symptoms may include:

• Nausea
• Muscle pain
• Fever
• Increased blood pressure
• Body aches
• Headache
• Rash
• Anxiety and anxiousness

Mosquito bite symptoms often include an itchy red and swollen bite. If you have an allergic reaction to the bite or have contracted a mosquito-borne illness, you may experience:

• Bruising at the site of the bite
• Hives around the bite
• Lymph node inflammation
• Fever
• Numbness
• Rashes
• Confusion
• Red eyes
• Headache
• Fatigue

Related Blog: Tips to Stop Itchy Mosquito Bites

Depending on where you are in the world, the type of spiders and mosquitoes vary along with the risks from their bite. There are thousands of different species of spiders and mosquitoes. Luckily, most spiders in the US don’t have a dangerous bite. However, a few you should look out for include the brown recluse, black widow, hobo spider, and tarantula.

In most cases, even a poisonous spider bite will not cause more than minor discomfort around the bite, however, if you experience whole-body symptoms and pain, seek medical attention.

Potential risks from mosquito bites include mosquito-borne illnesses in the US such as West Nile, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika virus. Remember, if any symptoms arise past your usual red swollen spot that itches, consult a doctor.

Mosquito and Spider Behavior – Why Do They Bite?

Mosquitoes are much more likely to bite than spiders because there is a need and purpose for every mosquito bite. A female mosquito cannot produce eggs without extracting blood from a host.

While spiders exist in many ecosystems and climates, they do not seek people to bite for food. Instead, they will only bite if they feel scared or threatened. They are most often found hiding in undisturbed and sheltered places such as trees and underground, or under stairs in homes.

Stay Protected Against Spider and Mosquito Bites

No one wants to be bitten – not by a mosquito or a spider! You can take steps to prevent insect and spider bites with professional outdoor pest control services!

Mosquito Squad technicians can protect your home and yard from spiders and mosquitoes by targeting their favorite hiding places with a treatment every three weeks. With spider control services and traditional mosquito barrier treatments, we help customers stay safe and fight the bite! To get started, request a free quote online or call (877) 332-2239!