Cane Spider Bites

The Cane Spider, also known as a Brown Huntsman Spider, is a spider that is found in the cane fields of Hawaii and also in Australia. This spider has a huge body -- usually the size of a can of tuna fish -- and thick, hairy legs. The cane spider will often enter homes and vehicles, surprising the owners by running very quickly across walls and dashboards.

Bite

• The cane spider is a non-aggressive spider that rarely bites unless it is provoked. The spider will often run away from perceived predators instead of fighting. The spider tends to be more aggressive during the mating season. This is because the cane spider does not have a web and must carry the eggs in its mouth. If you do receive a bite from the cane spider, it is generally a small bite that is low-risk to humans.

Habitat

• The cane spider gets its name from its tendency to live primarily in the cane fields of Hawaii. The spider prefers areas that are secluded, such as beneath tree bark, under rocks and in the roofs of buildings. It is common to see a cane spider on a wall inside the home. It will move sideways extremely quickly if it perceives danger.

Identification

• The cane spider is approximately 3 to 4 inches in width, which is comparable to the size of a can of tuna. The body is substantially large and it has thick and hairy legs. It is light brown to medium brown in color. This type of spider can live to be about two years old.

General First Aid

• If you're bitten by a cane spider, you can administer general first aid to the affected area to reduce irritation and risk of infection. Clean the area with soap and warm water and apply a cold compress to the bite for 20 minutes. Infections are some of the most common problems people face after a non-toxic spider bite and can be avoided by regular cleaning, application of antibiotic ointments and bandage coverage.