The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is a venomous spider closely related to the black widow spider. Redbacks can be easily recognisable by their distinctive red hourglass-shaped mark on the abdomen’s underside. These spiders are found in urban areas, especially around human dwellings, and are known to build their webs in dark, sheltered places like sheds, garages, and outdoor toilets. Although their venom is toxic, bites from redback spiders are rarely life-threatening due to the availability of an effective antivenom.
About The Redback Spider Treatment In Sydney
Redback spiders are black with a distinctive red stripe on the underside of their abdomen. They are small to medium-sized spiders, with females having a body length of about 1 cm, while the males are smaller and about 3-4 mm only. The female redback spider has a spherical abdomen.
Redback spiders are commonly found in Australia, especially in urban areas. They are often seen in sheltered and dark places such as sheds and garages. They can also be found in gardens, parks, and sometimes homes, especially in southern Australia.
Redback Spider Bite
A redback spider bite can be dangerous and cause significant pain and discomfort. The venom of the redback spider contains a neurotoxin that affects the nervous system, causing symptoms such as severe pain, sweating, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting. In extreme cases, a redback spider bite can lead to severe symptoms such as high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and muscle breakdown. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a redback spider has bitten you. Treatment typically involves pain relief, antivenom, and in some cases, hospitalisation for observation and monitoring of symptoms.
Reacting to a Redback Bite
Here’s what you can do to reduce the severity of symptoms:
- Clean the bite area: Clean the bite area with water to minimise the risk of infection.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage: If possible, wrap a bandage firmly around the affected limb, starting at the bite site and working upwards towards the heart. This can help to slow the spread of venom and reduce symptoms.
- Seek medical attention: Go to the nearest hospital or call an ambulance as soon as possible if you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or loss of consciousness.
Redback Spiders and Pets
Redback spiders are dangerous to pets as their venom can cause serious health problems. If a redback spider bites a pet, it is essential to seek veterinary attention as soon as possible. Symptoms of a redback spider bite in pets may include vomiting, tremors, muscle weakness, and difficulty breathing. Treatment may consist of pain relief, antivenom, and supportive care. It is essential to keep pets away from known redback spider habitats and to inspect outdoor areas where they spend time, such as sheds and garages, to reduce the risk of spider bites.
What to Do if You Encounter a Redback Spider?
If you encounter a redback spider, you must exercise caution and avoid disturbing it. The possibility of a redback spider biting you increases if they feel threatened, so it is best to keep a safe distance from them. If you find a redback spider in your home, the best way to get rid of it is to contact a pest control professional who can safely remove it. Taking steps to reduce the likelihood of spiders entering your home is also essential. This could include removing clutter and fixing any cracks or gaps in the walls of your home to restrict their entry.
Speak to Us Today
Have you seen a redback spider on your property? Call us now for spider removal services safely from your premises.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Get Rid of Redback Spiders from Your Property?
To get rid of redback spiders from your property, you must keep your yard and garden free of piles of wood, rocks, and debris in which redback spiders like to build their webs. In addition, sealing cracks and crevices around windows, doors, and other openings are vital to prevent redback spiders from entering your home. You must also keep food and trash sealed in containers with tight-fitting lids to avoid attracting insects that redback spiders feed on. Finally, since redback spiders are venomous, it is recommended to hire a professional exterminator to remove them from your property.
How Many Legs Does the Redback Spider Have?
These spiders have 8 legs that are long, thin, and have a segmented appearance. The first pair of legs is often the longest, while the remaining legs become progressively shorter towards the back of the body. Dark brown to black, the legs of these spiders are about 2 to 3 times their body length.
How Dangerous Are Redback Spiders?
Redback spiders are venomous, and their bites can be painful. In some cases, redback spider bites can be dangerous, especially to small children, older people, and those with weakened immune systems. However, death from a redback spider bite is infrequent, and antivenom is available. If you suspect a redback spider has bitten you, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
