Spider bites

Australia is home to more than 2,000 types of spiders and almost all are harmless to both adults and children.

The most dangerous Australian spiders are the funnel-web (and related atrax species) and the redback. But the last confirmed death from a spider bite in Australia was in 1979 (VDH 2012).

If your child is bitten by a spider, if possible, catch or identify it so your child receives the correct treatment. If the bite came from a poisonous spider, anti-venom is available at most major hospitals. An effective anti-venom for redback spider bites was introduced in 1956, and one for funnel-web spider bites became available in 1980 (AM 2015b, AVRU nd).

Young children are more likely to have a severe reaction from a spider bite. They're much smaller than adults, but the spider is likely to release the same amount of venom into a child as it would into an adult.

If your child is bitten by any spider, regardless of the species, and is having muscle spasms or difficulty breathing, is sweating severely or collapses, call an ambulance on 000.

See some of Australia's most dangerous animals here.

Redback spider bites

Redback spiders are common to urban and regional areas. Their bites cause more hospital visits than any other venomous animal in Australia (AVRU 2012).

But only about one in five victims of redback bites will develop serious symptoms, and anti-venom is available to those patients (QH 2014). More than 250 people receive anti-venom in hospitals each year (AM 2015a).

Symptoms of a redback spider bite

• Puncture wounds will indicate your child has been bitten by a spider or snake.
• The bite wound is likely to be painful and may be swollen. If your child is having a serious reaction, the entire affected limb may be sore for the next day or two.
• Lymph nodes may swell and feel tender.
• Your child may suffer from one or more of the following: headaches, sweating, fever, nausea, vomiting or tummy pain.
  (AM 2015a, VDH 2012)

Treatment
If your child is bitten by a redback spider, call an ambulance on 000 and start first aid:

• Wash the area around the bite thoroughly. Don't bother with a bandage, though, as any pressure will increase your child's pain.
• Apply an icepack and keep your child as still as possible.
• Anti-venom will be given in hospital if required. Doctors may also need to know when your child's last tetanus immunisation was given.
  (AM 2015a, AVRU nd, VDH 2012)

Funnel-web spider and mouse spider bites

The funnel-web spider is Australia's most dangerous spider. And, although they're not common, mouse spider bites cause similar symptoms to funnel-web bites (AM 2015c).

If your child has been bitten by one of these spiders, or you suspect he may have been, call an ambulance on 000 or take him straight to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of a funnel-web spider or mouse spider bite

• The funnel-web spider bite is painful and fang marks are generally noticeable.
• There may be swelling and redness around the bite site.
• Your child may suffer from one or more of the following: sweating, nausea, vomiting, tummy pain or numbness.
• In the most serious cases, your child may lose consciousness.

Treatment of funnel-web spider and mouse spider bites
If your child was bitten by a funnel-web or mouse spider, call an ambulance on 000 and start first aid (VDH 2012):

• Firmly bandage the affected limb, starting at the fingers or toes and wrapping upwards as high as possible. If you don't have a bandage, use a long, clean piece of clothing or a clean sheet or tablecloth torn into long strips.
• Use a stick or something similar to splint or sling the limb to restrict movement.
• Your child will be given anti-venom in hospital if he needs it. Doctors may also need to know when your child's last tetanus shot was given.
  (AM 2015b, AVRU nd, VDH 2012)

White-tailed spider bites

Commonly found in homes, the white-tailed spider is often mistakenly assumed to be poisonous. But its bite is not venomous and usually only causes a mild reaction in humans.

Most white-tailed spider bites happen indoors, in warmer months, and at night. The spider's favourite hiding spots include inside bedding or towels and clothes left on the floor, cooler rooms like bathrooms or laundries, and underneath leaves, rocks and tree bark (VDH 2012, 2014).

Symptoms of white-tailed spider bites
A white-tailed spider could bite your child anywhere on his body, but the bite is most likely to occur on his arms and legs. Symptoms include:

• Swelling around the bite area, or a stinging or burning sensation.
• A small lump or itchiness.
• Redness at the site.
• In very rare cases, your child's skin may start to blister or she may suffer from nausea or vomiting.
  (VDH 2014)

Treatment of white-tailed spider bites
If your child is bitten by a white-tailed spider, start first aid:

• Apply an icepack to help relieve swelling and itchiness.
• See your GP, or take your child to a hospital emergency department if his skin starts to blister.
  (VDH 2014)

Other spider bites

Most other spider bites will sting, itch or be a little painful, but are unlikely to cause your child any serious harm.

But if your child suffers a serious reaction to any bite (for example, he has difficulty breathing, muscle spasms or severe vomiting) call an ambulance on 000 or take him to a hospital emergency department.

Symptoms of other spider bites
Symptoms of any other spider bite will depend on the species of spider, but may include:

• redness and itching
• increasing pain
• nausea or vomiting
• sweating
• dilated pupils
• in very rare cases, uncontrollable muscle spasms or unconsciousness

Treatment of other spider bites

• Wash the area around the bite with soap and water.
• Apply an icepack if the wound is painful or swollen.
• If the bite wound hasn't cleared up in two to three days, make an appointment with your GP.
  (AM 2015b)

Prevention of spider bites

To avoid a spider bite, try these tips:

• Dress your child in shoes and long trousers when he's playing near long grass and around sheds.
• Check any suspected spider web with a stick (or something similar), not your hands.
• Shake out shoes before putting them on. The same goes for clothes that have been hanging on the clothes line or lying on the ground.
• Teach your children not to touch spiders.
• Pour boiling water into any spider holes you find near doorways and windows. This will kill the spider.
• Don't assume that a spider at the bottom of a swimming pool is dead. Some spiders can survive on an air bubble for 24 hours or more.
• Consult a licensed pest control operator if you need professional advice.
  (AVRU 2012)

Find out what to stock in your first aid kit.