On this page. Spider bites and venom Symptoms of spider bites First aid for spider bites Favoured locations of venomous spiders Common but relatively harmless spiders Tips on avoiding spider bites Spider-proof your home Where to get help Things to remember. Spiders are members of the class Arachnida. Other members include ticks, mites and scorpions. Generally, spiders have eight legs, two-part bodies, fangs, and organs that spin webs.
Spiders are essential to our ecosystem as they prey on insects and keep their populations under control. Australia has about 2, species of spider, but most are relatively harmless to humans. Funnel-web spiders indigenous to Sydney and red-back spiders found throughout the country are perhaps the most venomous spiders in Australia. Since the introduction of antivenom, there have been no recorded deaths in Australia from a confirmed spider bite.
Spider bites and venom Most spiders have venom. A spider uses venom to paralyse its prey — usually flies and other insects. However, a spider that feels frightened or threatened by a human may bite. In most cases, spider fangs are not strong enough to break the skin. If the fangs do break the skin, the venom usually has no effect on the human body.
The pain of most spider bites can be managed with an icepack. The few Australian spiders that can cause potentially harmful bites include the funnel-web, the mouse, the red-back and the white-tailed spiders. People at greater risk of severe reactions to spider venom include babies, young children, the elderly and people with an existing heart condition.
Some people may also be allergic to certain venom and experience an adverse reaction. Immediate medical treatment is recommended. If in doubt, see your doctor, go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital or dial triple zero to call an ambulance. Antivenoms are available for the treatment of red-back and funnel-web spider bites.
Symptoms of spider bites Symptoms of a venomous spider bite depend on the species, but may include: Redness and itching Increasing pain Nausea Vomiting Sweating perspiring Dilated pupils Uncontrollable muscle spasms Unconsciousness. First aid for spider bites Remember that first aid for a venomous spider bite depends on the species of spider.
Suggestions include: Funnel-web and mouse spider — firmly bandage the affected area. Splint if possible. Make sure the person lies still, because not moving will help to slow the venom moving through the body. Red-back and white-tailed spider — wash the bitten area thoroughly. Do not bandage because pressure will increase pain.
Apply an icepack. In all cases, never cut a spider bite or tourniquet a limb. Seek immediate medical help. Catch the spider, if possible If you can, catch the spider and take it with you to hospital so that medical staff can identify the species and quickly administer the correct treatment. Tips on how to safely catch a spider include: Choose an empty container with a secure lid, like a jar. Place the container over the spider. Slide a piece of stiff cardboard beneath the container to seal it.
Hold the cardboard securely and turn the container upside down. The spider should drop to the bottom of the container. Remove the cardboard and attach the container lid. If you cannot catch the spider, it will help medical staff if you can describe it. Exception: bitten by several spiders or small child is bitten. Note: many are dry bites because the fangs are small. The brown widow spider is related to the black widow. It is found in southern US. Brown widow spider bites are treated the same as black widow bites.
A dark violin shaped marking on top of its head. Causes pain at the bite. Blisters form within 4 to 8 hours. The center becomes bluish and depressed crater-like over 2 to 3 days. Other symptoms such as fever, vomiting, muscle pain can occur. No life-threatening symptoms occur. Brown recluse spiders are hard to identify. If you can, bring the spider along in a jar.
Non-dangerous Spider Bites More than 50 spiders in the U. Their bites cause reactions that are not serious. This includes pain or redness at the bite site. Read more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website. Although relatively few bites and stings are seriously dangerous to humans, it may be difficult to distinguish which bites and stings are serious from those which are not.
Basic first aid procedures should be applied in all circumstances followed promptly by appropriate medical treatment. Read more on Queensland Health website. Information on general firs aid for bites and stings. Up-to-date advice to assist in the management of poisonings. Call 13 11 Knowing where Queensland's most dangerous creatures live and how to treat an attack can help save a life. Healthdirect Australia is not responsible for the content and advertising on the external website you are now entering.
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