Are you sure that your ankles' itchiness is caused by spider bites? Spiders really are valuable garden denizens. They keep the population of other insects under control.

I'm pretty sure that spiders don't eat dogs.

Here is a link that might be useful: {{gwi:553954}}

LOL

Sorry that was a bit confusing, I meant any insecticide I used would have to be safe for the dog!They are only hungry for me, so far.

The reason I am led to believe they are spider bites is 1) spiders are everywhere 2)they are red raised bumps on my skin, separate, not resembling a rash

If it was just an itchiness or a rash I would think an allergic reation but these are clear bumps. I don't want to kill ALL of them, only the ones that are on my patio, I feel I have a right to walk outside in sandals!

that just doesn't sound like spider behavior. are you sure it isn't just mosquitoes? that's what is eating me at night.

insecticidal soap will kill the spiders on contact w/o harming you or your dog, but won't prevent them from coming back. i have to admit i am getting tired of clearing orb weaver webs with my face.

Big clear bumps like a tiny blister? That sounds like fire ants. Last time I checked about 2 years ago they hadn't made it north past LA yet.
If you can't wear shoes then its possible I guess.
A Dr years ago told me I am allergic to them. Basically most people are allergic to them, but I had 2 bites and was hospitalized.
Do you have big granular mounds in your yard?
The spiders are bad this year as I have seen webs everywhere. Seen a few black widows also which I kill.
There is special stuff to kill fire ants but don't know if its available in your area.

I don't think it is ants, come to think of it I haven't seen any ants this year. No, not like a blister either.

It kind of looks like these chigger bites but the only part that is red on mine is the swollen bump. And the bump is more swollen on me then on this page.

PS Is this TMI for anyone, kinda gross.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bug Bites-Slide 17

You might call an exterminator that uses pet friendly or organic products.
I use Sevin on my lawn for beetles but not very often as it isn't completely friendly to animals. I do have wild animals that visit at night.

It could be flea bites, doesn't really sound like spiders, but then I've been wrong before. I have tons of spiders of all sorts, and I never get bites and I live in sandals. I understand that Thrips also can bite/sting, but I don't have any experience with them.

Hiring a professional exterminator seems to be the best solution. I hose off my foliage once or twice a month to get rid of webs and just let the spiders be. As long as they don't get on me, they can live.

wanda

The first thing you need to do is accurately identify the real cause. Hiring a professional exterminator or a professional anybody might be a big waste of money and time. Even an "organic" approach may be a waste.

See a dermatologist and/or have an extension agent visit your property.

This could be serious.

Joe

Spider bites itch like fury!!! And they look different than flea or mosquito bites. I've also had bad reactions - both times on my feet. Try cortizone 10 cream.

I sympathize with you. The spiders love to cover Grevillea & upright asparagus fern with webs - the closely woven grey ones that would lift off like pieces of 'cloth' (?) if you could get hold of them. Maybe they're grey because they catch every bit of dust? Even a blast from the hose doesn't clean the plant very well.

I found a 6oz. or 8oz. spray can specifically labeled for spiders and safe for plants. No longer have it but it did work for about a month. Was at one of the big box stores.

I agree that you need to make sure it's spider bites you have. I appears that you are in CA.... me too. We have Formic Ants that swarm on you when you step on one of their paths. They bite and ITCH, and can make the area red and swollen if you have enough bites. I've been bitten on my sandaled feet more often than I care to count. I've had spider bites too, but rarely. Last week I was stabbed by a scorpion that had taken up residence at the bottom of the bed... under the covers! But still.... I'm not getting out the poisons.

Well despite being still a little swollen and itchy my feet are doing better. I think I will try Sevin for now as I have seen good results from others and always heard good things. I know it wasn't ants and definitely not a scorpion (yikes westelle). The doc just says yep looks like spider bites, not very helpful, possibly I was just allergic. Thanks for all the advise!

Glad you are feeling better. Please read the warnings etc about Sevin for your pooch. I wouldn't want to hear anything bad for him/her. Might have to keep him/her off the grass for a day or so.

OP wrote "The doc just says yep looks like spider bites"

Entomologists say that the only way to diagnose a spider bite is to catch the critter in the act.

Further, that spider fangs seldom pierce human skin.

If I were you, I would continue to try to figure out what really happened.

It was fleas here.

We use Frontline on the pets, but a few got into the carpet and my feet and ankles were covered with bumps that looked like mosquito bites. I knew it wasn't spideys because I looked with the microscope and it was only one, not two, little holes. Vaccuumed every day for two weeks with a piece of a flea collar in the vac bag and that took care of it.

But the spideys have been bad this year- since we have had no rain, the sticky brown webs covered with dirt, leaves, etc are coating just coating the plants. I'm a big fan of spiders, and I have been known to feed the larger ones meal worms, but enough is enough. If it doesn't rain soon I'm going to have to hose everything off, drought or no drought.

Renee