Garden spiders are not aggressive and only attack when disturbed or handled, although their large webs and size of the adult females does give them a menacing appearance. A garden spider bite is typically less painful than a bee sting and garden spiders will attempt to flee, rather than bite an intruder.

What happens if a garden spider bites you?

However, if by some unlikely chance, a garden spider does manage to bite you, symptoms generally include mild swelling with possible redness and discomfort around the bite site that can last a few days. Garden spider bites are said to be less painful than a wasp or bee sting.

Are garden spiders friendly?

Both male and female garden spiders are docile and nonaggressive. However, they can bite if threatened, trapped, or stepped on. Their bite is said to feel much like a bee sting and causes redness and swelling at the bite site.