What are spider bites?

In Australia, it can be difficult to know if a spider bite is dangerous or not.

Most spider bites cause only local irritation where you were bitten. But bites from funnel-web spiders and redback spiders cause harm to humans.

Different types of spider bite

Spider bites can be split into 3 groups:

1. Funnel-web spiders and other big black spiders — bites from these spiders are very dangerous and can cause death.
2. Redback spiders — bites from redbacks can cause a lot of pain, but they aren't life-threatening.
3. All other spiders in Australia are generally harmless.

What symptoms are related to spider bites?

Symptoms will depend on what type of spider has bitten you.

Funnel-web spider and other big black spider bite symptoms

A funnel-web spider bite causes:

• bad pain at the bite site
• lots of sweating
• nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and abdominal (tummy) pain

Other symptoms that you may have include:

• drooling
• muscle twitching
• difficulty breathing
• confusion, leading to unconsciousness
• numbness around your mouth and tongue

Mouse spider bites are not common, but their symptoms are like those caused by a bite from a funnel-web spider.

Redback spider bite symptoms

A redback spider bite can cause:

• pain where the spider bit you
• sweating
• headache
• muscle weakness or spasms

White tail spiders

White tail spiders aren't considered dangerous to humans. A white tail spider bite can cause:

• an initial burning pain
• swelling
• blisters

Current evidence suggests that white tail spider bites do not cause skin ulcers (necrotising arachnidism).

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it's self-care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000).

When should I see my doctor?

If you think you have been bitten by a funnel-web spider or any big, black spider, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.

See your doctor if you have been bitten by another type of spider and:

• you have a lot of pain
• the bite does not settle down within a few hours
• the swelling or itching gets worse after 24-48 hours
• if you are worried

How are spider bites treated?

First aid for a funnel-web spider bite

If someone has been bitten by a funnel-web spider, stay calm and follow these steps:

1. Lie them down and keep them still.
2. Apply an elasticated roller bandage (see below).
3. Use a splint to keep their arm or leg still — this slows the movement of venom around their body.
4. Mark the site of the bite on the skin with a pen or take a photo.
5. Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was put on.
6. Wait for the ambulance to arrive.

Putting on a pressure immobilisation bandage

Only use an immobilisation bandage for funnel web or mouse spider bites.

Using an elasticated roller bandage is recommended for anyone bitten by a big, black, hairy spider. An elasticated bandage slows down the movement of spider venom into your blood.

Follow these steps to apply an elasticated roller bandage:

1. Wrap an elasticated bandage (10cm to 15cm wide) over the bite.
2. Wrap a second elasticated bandage over the whole limb (arm or leg) — start just above the fingers or toes and move towards your body.

The bandage should be tight — but shouldn't cut off your circulation. You should not be able to easily slide a finger between the bandage and your skin.

First aid for a redback spider bite

If you have been bitten by a redback spider:

1. Wash the bite area with soap and water.
2. Use a cold pack for 15 minutes to help ease the pain.
3. See your doctor if you have bad symptoms.

If your pain is very bad, go to your local hospital emergency department.

First aid for other spider bites

For all other spider bites:

• wash the bite with soap and water
• apply antiseptic cream if you have it
• apply an ice-pack to reduce swelling and manage pain
• you can also use paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage your pain

Don't put the ice pack directly on your skin as it might cause a cold burn. Always wrap it in a clean cloth like a tea towel.

If your symptoms get worse, see a doctor.

Should I catch the spider?

You can try to carefully catch the spider so it can be identified. To do this:

1. Place an empty jar over the spider.
2. Push a stiff piece of card under the mouth of the jar.
3. Up-end the jar so that the spider falls to the bottom.
4. Quickly remove the card and replace the jar's lid.

Complications of spider bites

If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

Some people have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to being bitten by a spider. This is very serious and can cause death.

Symptoms of anaphylaxis are:

• difficult or noisy breathing
• a swollen tongue
• swelling or tightness in the throat
• persistent cough
• difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
• dizziness
• collapse
• being pale and floppy (young children)

If the person collapses or stops breathing they may need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Can spider bites be prevented?

To prevent spider bites:

• leave spiders alone — teach your child to never touch spiders
• wear gloves when gardening
• remove spider webs in your house and relocate spiders outside
• check your shoes before putting them on

Resources and support

You can learn more about spiders on the Australian Museum website.

St John Ambulance Australia has a first aid fact sheet for spiders on its website.

St John Ambulance Australia has a printable poster on first aid resuscitation procedures.

The Australian Bites & Stings app contains first aid instructions on what to do if bitten or stung by a venomous creature, and is free to download.

For more information on anaphylaxis, visit the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy's website.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.