Spiders
In Australia, the only spiders to cause harm to humans are the redback 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.
Redback spider
Bites from this spider are venomous but not life-threatening.
The red back spider is found throughout Australia. The female redback spider has a red or orange stripe on its back. The male is very small usually with no stripe.
A redback 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.