The redback spider is a venomous spider that is native to Australia. The female redback spider is typically larger than the male and has a distinctive red stripe on the back of its black or brown body. The venom of the redback spider can cause severe pain, muscle weakness, and in rare cases, death. However, antivenom is available, and bites can be treated successfully with prompt medical attention.
Redback Spider Treatment Brisbane
Redback spiders are typically black and have a distinctive red or orange stripe on the back of the abdomen. They are usually about 3-4 mm in length, with the females being larger than the male. These spiders have a round, bulbous abdomen and long, thin legs tapering towards the end.
Redback spiders like to build their webs in dry, sheltered places such as sheds, toilets, meter boxes, and other similar structures. They are also commonly found in woodpiles, garden beds, and in the corner of windows or doors. These spiders can be found in rural areas, too but are less common than in urban areas.
Redback Spider Bite
The bite of a female redback spider is dangerous and may cause serious complications, especially in small children. Hence, if a redback spider bites a child, it must be treated with utmost caution.
It is common for the person to experience intense localised pain, swelling, and excessive sweating. At times, people also experience headaches, nausea, and vomiting an hour after the bite.
Reacting to a Redback Bite
It is essential not to panic and stay calm if this spider bites you. The first step in managing a redback spider bite is to apply an ice pack or anything cold to minimise pain and swelling. Next, you must rush to a hospital for medical aid. Depending on the severity of your case, the doctor may administer anti-venene.
Redback Spiders and Pets
The venom of these spiders contains α-latrotoxin, which is known to affect the nervous system and muscles of pets. However, these bites are often dry, meaning no venom is injected into the pet’s body.
However, if the spider injects venom into the pet’s body, their life may be in danger. To know if the spider venom has entered your pet’s body, check for signs like vomiting, diarrhoea, severe pain, and restlessness. Also, if the pain increases over time, your pet may experience muscular cramping, increased heart rate, and high blood pressure.
What to Do if You Find a Redback?
If you find a Redback Spider in your home or yard, it is essential to exercise caution and avoid contact with the spider. Here’s what you must do if you find a Redback Spider:
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Call us today if you have seen redback spider webs on your property. We offer tailored spider control services in Brisbane based on the spider species and the extent of the infestation
Frequently Asked Questions
What Do Redbacks Live On?
Redback spiders are opportunistic predators, and their diet mainly consists of small insects and other small invertebrates that become trapped in their webs. They feed on insects such as flies, mosquitoes, beetles, and caterpillars. They also feed on small arthropods such as spiders, moths, and even small lizards and geckos.
Where Do Redbacks Hide?
Redback spiders are commonly found in urban areas and like to build their webs in dry, sheltered places. However, they can be found both indoors and outdoors. Some common areas where redbacks hide are sheds, garages, outbuildings, toilets and meter boxes, corners of windows and doors, woodpiles and garden beds, and ceilings and walls.
Are Redback Bites Dangerous?
The severity of symptoms can vary depending on the amount of venom injected, the location of the bite and the individual’s sensitivity to the venom. In most cases, the symptoms are not life-threatening but can be painful and uncomfortable.
However, in some cases, the bite can cause more severe reactions, such as muscle weakness, abdominal pain, headache, and high blood pressure.
