Is the garden spider poisonous to humans and pets?

It is one of the largest spiders in Germany, the garden spider (Araneus). The big, strong and hairy animal can spread fear and a great horror in some people. If they should turn up in the house, they are certainly not looking for a cozy shelter, but have simply lost their way. The cross spiders also have a reputation for being very poisonous. Is this statement really true or is it harmless?

Cross drawing is characteristic

The most famous living spider of this species in Germany is the garden spider (Araneus diadematus). As with all cross spiders there is the typical cross drawing on their spherical abdomen, a light-colored cross consisting of five light-colored spots, four of which are elongated and one in the middle more circular. Further distinguishing features are:

• hairy legs with small spines
• these function as sense organs
• Size of the females up to 15 mm
• Males smaller, only up to 5 mm in size
• Body color varies from yellow-light brown, red and black

The body color adapts to the habitat and at the same time serves as camouflage and protection from enemies.

Note: The garden spider is known for its masterfully woven orb web. She prefers to weave it in front of windows and doors in the summer months.

Contact extremely rare

Usually these spiders are at home in the woods and meadows. They are also increasingly found near buildings and gardens. However, they are very seldom to be found in the house, and if they do, the spiders are sure to have lost their way. They could not survive in heated rooms due to the low humidity. Certainly a garden spider will never voluntarily seek contact with humans or pets. Usually they avoid both of them and even retreat.

This species of spider is neither aggressive nor aggressive. They can be confidently captured in the house and then put back outside. It can't get dangerous. A spider bite can only occur if the garden spider feels threatened, is afraid, has no escape route or if its nest has been destroyed. Then it can happen that she uses her weapons for defense. As long as humans or pets do not harass them, however, they are peaceful. If a specimen of this species has bitten, there is no need to worry either.

Note: Spiders may be disgusting to look at for some, but before they are spider species occurring in Germany no fear is necessary. They usually do not pose a lethal threat to humans or pets.

Are garden spiders poisonous?

In principle, all spiders in the world, with a few exceptions, are poisonous. However, the concentration of the poison is different for the individual species. The garden spiders are classified as slightly poisonous. The spiders need the poison to ward off enemies and to catch prey. They lie in wait for their victims, catch them in their woven nets and with a targeted poison bite the prey animals are either paralyzed or killed. Spiders cannot simply chew up or tear up their prey, but simply suck it up after the poison has taken effect. The poison is deadly for their prey. In humans and pets too?

The venom is also contained in the glands of the garden spiders, which are located behind the venomous claws (chelicerae) on the side of the head. The poison consists of various proteins and digestive juices. Whether it is dangerous or even fatal for humans and pets normally depends on the one hand on the dosage of the poison and on the other hand on the length of the poisonous claws.

Because the claws have to be of the appropriate length to penetrate human skin. However, this is relatively thick and the venomous claws of the garden spider are much too short. Under certain circumstances, however, it is possible to penetrate the human, but then only on thin areas of the skin, for example the crook of the elbow.
Children can be more at risk if they come into contact with garden spiders while playing. Your skin layers are still very thin. Here the spiders can possibly inject their venom into deeper skin layers. However, the dose of the poison is not sufficient to cause damage to health. So there is still no risk or maybe even long-term health damage.

The same applies, of course, to pets such as dogs and cats. Here, too, the skin is too thick and there is more or less thick fur. The venomous claws of the garden spiders are much too short here too.

Note: The little poisonous garden spider is protected according to the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), but not threatened.

Very uncomfortable bite

However, should the garden spider bite, it can be very uncomfortable and painful, but usually by no means fatal. It is comparable to a wasp or bee sting. However, it is very small and hardly visible to the naked eye. Two inconspicuous puncture sites are then visible under the magnifying glass. Here it was possible for the spider's bite tools to penetrate the skin and secrete the poison. A garden spider's bite can cause too

• Swelling
• temporary paralysis around the bite
• burning sensation and
• itching

to lead. Special treatment of the bites is usually not necessary. The only thing that should be ensured is that the swelling and pain are relieved. This can be done through either

• cooling towels and ice packs or
• Using a mosquito pen

Mosquito pens are available in the pharmacy for around 10 euros. These should not be missing in any medicine cabinet. The pens have a hot metal plate at their tip. This must be pressed directly onto the bite wound. As a result, the skin tissue contracts and ultimately the poisonous protein of the spider venom can be destroyed. Such a pen is of course also useful for mosquito, bee or wasp stings. After half an hour at the latest, the symptoms should have disappeared.

Usually, a doctor visit is not necessary after a garden spider bite, unless problems arise. These can occur, for example, if the bite wounds are scratched open due to a large itch. Bacteria can then penetrate the bite wound unhindered. The consequence can be a serious wound infection. In this case, it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately. Ultimately, it may sometimes be possible that a surgical procedure is necessary. It also depends on how long to wait to see a doctor.

Risk for allergy sufferers

As already mentioned, a bite from the less venomous garden spider is usually not dangerous. However, it looks different with allergy sufferers. A spider bite can quickly lead to an allergic shock. This can be life-threatening for the person concerned. In anaphylactic shock, an acute immune system reaction can occur within just a few minutes. The whole organism just collapses. Consequences can be

• Swelling of the larynx
• Closure of the respiratory organs
• Shortness of breath
• Circulatory problems

In the worst case, insufficient blood supply can lead to cardiac arrest with organ failure and ultimately death. It should be noted that the faster the first symptoms become visible, the more dangerous the situation can be for the person concerned. In such cases, it is necessary to act quickly. Allergy sufferers should therefore always have their own emergency kit handy. In acute situations, you can react quickly and your life can be saved. Of course, a doctor should also be consulted under certain circumstances.

Note: Insecticides can cause 24 percent of children and 55 percent of adults to anaphylactic shock.