Are White Crab Spiders Poisonous? What You Need To Know

White crab spiders are a fascinating yet creepy sight with their unique crab-like appearance and stealthy hunting skills. But one question that often arises upon encountering these sneaky spiders is – are white crab spiders poisonous?

As a homeowner it’s natural to have concerns about venom and safety when spiders unexpectedly show up. Especially spiders that look like they are ready to latch onto you with their front legs and not let go!

The good news is white crab spiders are not considered dangerous to humans. While they do possess venom, it is designed to subdue small insects rather than large animals. Understanding more about these spiders can help ease your mind if you spot one of these tricky ambush hunters.

White crab spiders belong to the Thomisidae family of spiders, consisting of around 175 genera and over 1,300 species globally. They get their common name from their unique sideways walk and laterally extended legs that give them a crab-like appearance.

Some of the most common white crab spiders in North America include

• Whitebanded crab spider
• Spined micrathena
• Goldenrod crab spider
• Flower crab spider

These spiders are ambush predators that don’t spin webs to catch prey Instead, they rely on stealth and camouflage to go undetected. Their white coloring allows them to blend into flowers and lichens seamlessly

Once prey gets close enough, they use their raptorial front legs to swiftly grab and immobilize their target. Their diet primarily consists of bees, butterflies, flies and other small insects.

Are White Crab Spiders Venomous?

White crab spiders do have venom that helps them secure their insect prey quickly. However, their venom is not considered medically significant to humans or other large mammals.

Some key points about white crab spider venom:

• Potent enough to paralyze small insects rapidly
• Allows them to feed on prey without struggle
• Not strong enough to cause serious harm in humans
• Bites may cause mild irritation or redness at most

So while the venom is an asset for these cunning hunters, it does not make them dangerous to encounter. Their small size and lack of aggression toward humans also minimizes any threat.

What to Do if Bitten by a White Crab Spider

White crab spider bites are extremely rare, since these spiders do not seek out human contact. But if you do get bitten, the wound can be treated similarly to a bee sting with these steps:

• Wash the bite area with soap and water to lower risk of infection
• Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling and pain
• Keep the wound elevated if possible
• Use over-the-counter pain medication as needed
• Avoid scratching or irritating the bite

Monitor for signs of infection, such as increased redness, warmth or pus. Seek medical care promptly if the bite area appears infected. Otherwise, symptoms should resolve within a few days.

Are White Crab Spiders Dangerous to Pets?

For pets like dogs and cats, white crab spiders do not pose substantial danger either. Since these spiders are not aggressive, bites to pets are uncommon. If bitten, a pet may experience mild pain, itching or irritation around the bite site.

See your veterinarian if you notice any concerning symptoms in your pet after a potential spider bite, such as:

• Excessive swelling
• Difficulty breathing
• Drooling
• Muscle tremors
• Weakness or inability to walk

Otherwise, comforting your pet and keeping the wound clean should help it heal. Monitoring for signs of infection is also a good precaution.

How to Keep White Crab Spiders Out of Your Home

While white crab spider encounters are generally harmless, you likely don’t want these sneaky spiders creeping around your home. Here are some tips to deter white crab spiders from entering or sticking around:

• Seal cracks and crevices around windows and doors
• Keep vegetation and foliage trimmed away from the home’s exterior
• Remove piles of debris, leaf litter, firewood, etc. near the foundation
• Install yellow porch lights rather than white or blue (less attractive to insects they prey on)
• Use insect screens on open windows and doors
• Keep your home clean and dry to avoid attracting insects

You can also hire a professional pest control company to treat your home’s exterior and perimeter with insecticides to repel spiders. Be sure to focus on window and door frames where spiders may enter.

Are All Crab Spiders Poisonous?

There are over 2,000 species of crab spiders globally, and most possess venom used to subdue prey rather than defend themselves. No crab spiders have venom that is medically significant to humans.

Some other types of crab spiders you may encounter include:

• Spiny orbweavers
• Bark crab spiders
• Lichen crab spiders
• Flower crab spiders

None of these crab spiders pose a major health risk from their venom. As with white crab spiders, take normal bite precautions if you get nipped, but no specific medical treatment is typically needed.

When to Worry About Crab Spider Bites

For most people, potential crab spider bites are benign. Very rarely, someone may have an allergic reaction to the venom, which could result in severe swelling, difficulty breathing, nausea or dizziness. Seek emergency care right away if you experience any concerning systemic symptoms after a crab spider bite.

Bites can also lead to secondary infections, especially if they are scratched excessively. Keep an eye out for worsening redness, swelling, warmth at the bite site or pus/discharge, and call your doctor if infection signs arise. Otherwise, take comfort in knowing crab spiders are not out to get you!

The Takeaway: White Crab Spiders Are Friend Not Foe

White crab spiders may give you the heebie-jeebies upon first glance, but understanding their harmless nature can help ease your mind. Focus on their role as skilled insect hunters rather than viewing them as threats. If you have an abundance around your home, there are effective ways to deter them without needing to fear their presence. With proper education on crab spider identification and habits, we can appreciate these clever masters of camouflage!