The Professional Spider Spray

Bite: Redbacks are perhaps the most infamous Australia spider. Their bite is very painful – with over 2000 bites requiring hospital treatment each year. It releases a nerve poison, which can result in headaches, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and sometimes paralysis. If bitten, seek immediate medical help as anti-venom may need to be administered. 

Where found: Redbacks like dry spots to build their very messy webs (like a poorly made fishing net). In outbuildings, along fences, in wood piles, under rocks and in roof voids (they love downlights which attract insects) are their favourite hiding places.

Bite: Although it has a painful bite it is not very aggressive and tends to retreat into its web when disturbed. Reaction to a bite may include sweating, nausea and giddiness. Medical attention should be sought if a bite is suspected.

Where found: Normally found on the outside of buildings, where they build their webs around doors, windows and eaves. Their webs have a funnel like entrance.

Bite: The white tail spider delivers a painful bite which can cause nausea and burning pain. The bite site can become swollen and very itchy, but the belief that the bite can cause flesh to decay is a bit of an urban myth. There is nothing in their toxin that can cause flesh to decay. However, if dirt get into the bite and the patient scratches the bite excessively, bacteria can get in that can cause flesh decay. However, this can happen with any spider bite, not just white tail bites.

Where found: Outside white tailed spiders are typically found under logs and rocks. Insider they like resting under clothes and sheets on the floor.

Bite: Although huntsman spider are very scary – large and fast moving – they are actually quite timid (unless a female guarding her egg sac). Most huntsman can give a slightly painful bite, but are a very timid spider, preferring to run away.

Where found: Huntsman are normally found outside, resting under logs and the bark of trees.

Bite: The Funnel-web bite is extremely painful and fatal if untreated. It is capable of biting through gloves and shoes. It is a very aggressive spider and should be avoided. If a bite is suspected, medical assistance should be obtained immediately, as an anti-venom is often required.

Where found: Funnel-web spiders are typically found along the east coast and in the Great Dividing Range and are not normally found in Bendigo and country Victoria (only in Dandenong Ranges). However, there are similar looking trapdoor spiders and mouse spiders which can be mistaken for funnel-webs.