Prevention

Spiders usually bite only in defense, when being trapped between your skin and another object.

To prevent spider bites:

• Learn what dangerous spiders look like and their preferred habitats.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt, hat, long pants tucked into socks, gloves and boots when handling stored boxes or firewood and when cleaning out sheds, garages, basements, attics and crawl spaces.
• Inspect and shake out gardening gloves, boots and clothing before use.
• Use insect repellents, such as DEET. Carefully follow directions on the package.
• Keep insects and spiders out of the house by installing tightfitting screens on windows and doors, sealing cracks where spiders can come in, and using safe indoor insecticides.
• Reduce debris or remove piles of rocks or lumber from the area around your home and avoid storing firewood against the walls of your home.
• Make sure beds aren't pushed against the wall and that only the legs of the bed touch the floor. Don't store items under the bed and don't let bedding drag on the floor.
• Remove spiders and spiderwebs from your home.
• If a spider is on your skin, flick it off with your finger rather than crushing it against your skin.
• When cleaning tarantula enclosures, wear gloves, a surgical mask and eye protection.