Do Spiders Bite in Your Sleep?

Do Spiders Bite in Your Sleep?

The idea of spiders biting you while you sleep is a common fear, but how realistic is it? While spider bites during sleep are possible, they are far less common than most people believe. Here is what you need to know about spiders and nighttime encounters.

Spiders Rarely Bite Sleeping Humans

Spiders are not interested in biting humans. They do not feed on blood and gain nothing from biting people. Most spider bites occur when a spider is accidentally trapped against skin, such as when rolling over in bed onto a spider or putting on clothing where a spider has been hiding. A spider wandering across your bed is far more likely to simply move away than to bite.

Why Spider Bites Are Often Misidentified

Many skin lesions attributed to spider bites are actually caused by other factors, including other insect bites, bacterial infections, and allergic reactions. Studies have shown that a significant percentage of self-diagnosed spider bites have a different cause entirely. If you wake up with a mysterious bite, it may not be from a spider at all.

When Spider Bites Do Happen at Night

The most common scenario for a spider bite during sleep involves brown recluse spiders in Central Illinois. Brown recluses may hide in bedding that has been stored or undisturbed. When someone climbs into bed and accidentally traps a recluse against their skin, the spider may bite in self-defense. This is why it is important to shake out bedding that has been in storage.

How to Reduce Spider Encounters in the Bedroom

Keep your bedroom clutter-free, especially under the bed. Move the bed away from walls if possible. Do not let bed skirts or blankets touch the floor, as spiders can use them as bridges. Shake out clothing and shoes before putting them on. Use sticky traps along baseboards to monitor and catch wandering spiders.

Reducing Overall Spider Populations

Seal cracks and gaps around your home to reduce the number of spiders entering. Address other pest problems, since spiders go where their prey is. Reduce outdoor lighting near bedroom windows, as lights attract the insects that spiders feed on.

Terminix offers professional spider control services throughout Central Illinois and Western Indiana. If you are concerned about spiders in your home, contact us today for a free inspection.