Brown Spider

Brown trapdoor spiders are often mistaken for Funnel Web spiders but their bites are not dangerous – local pain and swelling may occur. The same goes for the Sigillate Trapdoor Spider, although there is one report of unspecified “severe effects”.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Eastern Mouse Spider

Mouse spider venom may be very toxic, but only one serious envenomation has been recorded, other bites causing minor effects. Funnel Web spider antivenom may be effective.

Until more toxicity data is available it is prudent to treat as for funnel web spider bites, especially if the victim is a child. Where possible, collect the spider for positive identification.

Sydney Funnel Web / Blue Mountains Funnel Web

The bite is dangerous and can cause serious illness or death. The male venom is more toxic than the female and initial symptoms include local pain, mouth numbness, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating and salivation. There is an anti-venom available.

Bites are usually on a limb. Immediate action should be taken to apply a pressure bandage and immobilise the bitten limb by splinting. Restrict the movement of the victim. If possible, capture the spider for positive identification.

Garden Wolf Spider / Grey Wolf Spider

Bites are usually minor with local pain or itchiness. Less commonly, symptoms can include swelling, prolonged pain, dizziness, rapid pulse and nausea. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist

Redback Spider

Redback bites occur frequently. They can cause serious illness and have caused deaths. Because of their small jaws, many bites are ineffective. Common early symptoms are pain, sweating (always including local sweating at the bite site), muscular weakness, nausea and vomiting. An antivenom is available – no deaths have occurred since its introduction.

Apply an ice pack to the bitten area to relieve the pain. Do not apply a pressure bandage (venom movement is slow and pressure worsens pain). If possible, collect the spider for positive identification. Seek medical attention.

Red-Headed Mouse Spider

Mouse spider venom may be very toxic, but only one serious envenomation has been recorded, other bites causing minor effects. Funnel Web spider antivenom may be effective.

Until more toxicity data is available it is prudent to treat as for funnel web spider bites, especially if the victim is a child. Where possible, collect the spider for positive identification.

Stout Sac Spider / Slender Sac Spider

Bites are not common and symptoms are usually minor, including local pain and swelling. Symptoms may also include headache, dizziness, sweating, nausea and local skin ulceration, though most such reports relate to overseas experience.

Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

An ice pack may relieve local pain. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

Black Widow Spider / Black House Spider

These are timid spiders with bites occurring infrequently, but may be quite painful with local swelling. Nausea, vomiting, sweating and giddiness sometimes occur.

Use an ice pack to relieve local pain and seek medical attention is the symptoms persist.

Garden Orb Weaving Spider/ Golden Orb Weaving Spider / St Andrew’s Cross

Males are often much smaller than females and both are reluctant to bite. Symptoms are usually negligible or local pain only with numbness and swelling with occasional nausea and dizziness. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.