Spiders
In Australia, the only spiders to cause harm to humans are the red back spider and the funnel web spider.
Funnel web spider
This spider is large, black and its bite can be life-threatening. There are a number of black spiders that look similar so if in doubt, treat a bite as if it were from a funnel web spider.
A bite from a funnel web spider will usually cause severe pain, nausea, sweating and vomiting, difficulty breathing and muscle twitching.
First aid
- Call 000.
- Remove person from danger.
- Keep the person still.
- Apply a pressure bandage around the bite and entire limb.
- Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for more information.
Red back spider
Bites from this spider are venomous but not life-threatening.
The red back spider is found throughout Australia. The female red back spider has a red or orange stripe on its back. The male is very small usually with no stripe.
A red back spider bite may result in pain and redness at the bite site. Other symptoms can include sweating, nausea, vomiting and headaches.
First aid
- Wash the area and keep it clean.
- Do not apply a pressure bandage.
- Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
- Visit the nearest hospital if symptoms are severe.
Routine use of anti-venom is no longer recommended as research shows anti-venom has a low response rate.