[Australian Spiders] What Travelers Need to Know? (If You Are Bitten)

These are the things tourists should know about venomous Australian spiders, from bite prevention to first aid. Find out how to recognize a spider and what to do if you are bitten.

Australia is renowned for its spiders, yet they don’t inhabit the land in abundance. Even though we have some of the most poisonous types of spiders, you won’t encounter one unless you are deliberately seeking it out or unintentionally stumble upon one. In actuality, the spiders are more frightened of us than we are of them.

It is essential to be aware of the different types of spiders found in Australia, to be vigilant in identifying them, and to know the proper steps to take if bitten.

SEE MORE: The 10 Most Poison Spiders In Australia

Australia has spiders.

Australia has over two thousand different types of spiders, yet fortunately only a few of them are hazardous to humans. All spiders have venom glands, though only some of them possess fangs that are big enough to penetrate the skin and bring about a response.

In 2016, the first death due to spider bite since 1981 was registered in Australia. Nevertheless, an estimated 2,000 individuals are bitten yearly by redback spiders. An effective anti-venom to treat redback spider bites was created in 1956, and since 1980, at least 100 people have been given an anti-venom for funnel-web spider bites.

The species with which people interact most often are:

Spiders with redbacks.

The North American widow spiders, having a black and red (sometimes orange) aesthetic, tend to prefer to remain tucked away in shadowy, isolated places such as mailboxes, beneath overhangs, in outdoor furniture, near barbecues, and other secret spots; these areas are typically adorned with messy webs that are coated in sticky material.

Spider on a funnel web.

Funnel webs tend to avoid the daylight and favor places like shoes and clothing, or a burrow outdoors with a web lining. If they are disturbed, they can become aggressive and stand up in a striking pose, with their front legs in the air and fangs visible. Their habitat is mainly along the east coast of Australia, with the highest activity occurring in summer. It’s not uncommon to find them in swimming pools.

Spider with a white tail.

White tailed spiders, just as other creatures, enjoy remaining concealed and are generally only witnessed during the evening when they are foraging for food. After a rainfall, they can often be seen leaving their hiding spots and entering houses in search of a drier refuge. These spiders have a grey to black body with a white section on the tail area (this is the root of the name ”white tailed”) and they are spread out throughout Australia.

Huntsman spider.

Found in many parts of Australia, these creatures are not a threat to humans; they are swift and have a tendency to leap. Although they can be intimidating due to their size and their hairy legs, they are actually excellent pest controllers. They take refuge under tree bark, logs, and rocks, but have also been known to hide behind car sun visors. To avoid this, make sure to roll up the windows and close the sunroof before going to sleep.

Prevention of spider bites.

• Before you don shoes, wetsuits, or garments that have been stored for some time, give them a good shake, especially if they have been left outdoors.
• Do not leave any garments or towels scattered on the ground.
• Put on footwear whenever you’re outside and even in the evening.
• Inspect your bedding if it is situated near or on the ground.
• If you come across a spider in the swimming pool, don’t assume it has perished. Some spiders can stay alive by using the air bubbles clinging to their leg hairs for a long time. Funnel webs are well-known for their ability to dive in pools like a scuba diver, so remove the spider with a pool net, or if you’d prefer, take a shower rather than risking a bite beneath the surface.

First aid for spider bites.

If you are bitten, immediately seek medical help. If it is possible to do so, capture the spider in an airtight container or take a picture of it. If not, try to provide a detailed description of the spider to the hospital, including size, color, pattern, and the location where you were bitten.

Spider on a funnel web.

The primary action of first aid for a funnel-web spider bite is to prevent the venom from spreading to the lymphatic system and subsequently the bloodstream. The pressure/immobilization technique (as with snake bite) can accomplish this by pressing on the surface tissues and restraining the muscle movement, thus suppressing the lymphatic flow.

• Maintain the patient in a state of serenity and tranquility.
• Ring 000
• Maintain the injured limb in a lowered position and have the individual remain motionless.
• Secure a pressure bandage firmly, beginning at the site of the bite, wrapping it down to the extremity and back up to the top of the limb.
• Secure a stiff splint to the limb to stop it from moving.

Spiders with redbacks.

The procedure for dealing with a redback spider bite is distinct from what is used to treat a funnel web bite.

• Maintain the patient in a state of serenity and tranquility.
• Ring 000
• Maintain the injured limb in a lowered position and have the individual remain motionless.
• Put an ice pack or something cold on the area that was bitten.
• Do not apply a compression bandag e.

For spider bites such as those from the white-tailed, wolf, and trapdoor varieties.

• Applying an ice pack can help reduce the discomfort and inflammation.
• Seek medical treatment.

Topic: [Australian Spiders] What Travelers Need to Know? (If You Are Bitten)

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By: Travel Pixy