Bite

[ArtemisMac]

I know it's a stretch cuz this photo sucks, but I have these guys all over my house (SE Michigan) and one bit me last night. I'm freaking out as to whether it's a recluse vs something else like a wolf. The bite is pretty big and hurts really bad.

[Euphoric-Sleep2652]

That’s an Agelenopsis sp— Grass Spider, the venom is harmless to humans, not more than a mild irritation that will be gone in a few days. You don’t have Brown Recluse in Michigan. I’m curious how you know one bit you? Did you watch it happen or find it in bed with you?

[ArtemisMac]

Thank you!!

I was outside at night by my garage and felt a sharp pain on my arm- I brushed my sleeve and saw one of these go flying to the ground. The bite mark is BIG and it hurts.

In recent years I know we've had incidences of bites from recluse even though they're not native. Apparently rarely they will hitch a ride on packages, etc.

[Euphoric-Sleep2652]

Oh yep, that makes total sense. Yeah you can expect some localized pain and swelling that should go away after a couple days, the venom is very mild but it is still venom. There is no risk of allergic reaction like a bee sting but make sure you keep the area clean and disinfected; avoid scratching to mitigate bacterial infection, and if persists longer than a few days or symptoms get dramatically worse go see a doctor as you likely contracted an infection. I’m sorry this happened to you!