disorientation and confusion leading to unconsciousness.Īdditional symptoms for a redback spider biteĪdditional symptoms for a redback spider bite include:.Symptoms of a venomous spider bite depend on the species, but may include:Īdditional symptoms for funnel-web or mouse spider bitesĪdditional symptoms for funnel-web or mouse spider bites include: If in doubt, see your doctor, go to the emergency department of your nearest hospital or dial triple zero (000) to call an ambulance. Immediate medical treatment is recommended. Some people may also be allergic to certain venom and experience an adverse reaction, including anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction). People who are at greater risk of severe reactions to spider venom include babies, young children, the elderly and people with an existing heart condition. Some Australian spiders can cause potentially harmful bites including the:Īntivenoms are available for the treatment of redback and funnel-web spider bites. The pain of most spider bites can be managed with a cold pack. If the fangs do break the skin, the venom usually has no effect on your body. In most cases, spider fangs are not strong enough to break the skin. Sometimes, a spider that feels frightened or threatened by a human may bite. A spider uses venom to paralyse its prey (usually flies and other insects). Since the introduction of antivenom, there have been no recorded deaths in Australia from a confirmed spider bite. Venomous spiders in Australia include funnel-web, mouse, redback and white-tailed spiders. Spiders are essential to our ecosystem as they prey on insects and keep their populations under control.Īustralia has about 2,000 species of spider, but most are relatively harmless to humans. Generally, spiders have 8 legs, two-part bodies, fangs, and organs that spin webs.

However, spiders and insects, are classified as arthropods – part of the largest group of animals. Other arachnids include ticks, mites and scorpions.

Wolf spider poisonous