White-tailed spiders are venomous spiders found in Australia and New Zealand. They are usually grey or brown and have a distinctive white tip on their tail. They are nocturnal hunters and feed on other spiders, including blackhouses and redbacks. Bites from white-tailed spiders can cause pain, swelling, and itchiness, and in rare cases, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain. However, severe reactions are uncommon, and antivenom is not required for treatment.
About White-Tailed Spiders Treatment In Sydney
White-tailed spiders are medium-sized, with adults typically measuring between 10 and 20 mm in length. They are usually grey or brown and have a distinctive white tip on the end of their tail. Their body is cigar-shaped, and legs have a banded design.
White-tailed spiders are nocturnal hunters known to hide in dark, humid areas during the day and venture out at night to search for other spiders to feed on. Some familiar hiding places for white-tailed spiders include:
- In bedding, clothing, and towels that have been left on the floor
- In dark corners and crevices of homes and other buildings
- Among piles of firewood, lumber, and debris
- In shoes and other footwear that have been left on the ground
- In gardens and other outdoor areas, where they hide among leaf litter, rocks, and logs
White-Tailed Spiders – Venomous or Not?
White-tailed spiders are venomous, and their bite can cause pain, swelling, itchiness, and in some cases, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain. However, severe reactions to white-tailed spider bites are relatively uncommon, and antivenom is not typically required for treatment. Nevertheless, if you suspect a white-tailed spider has bitten you, it’s essential to clean the bite wound carefully and seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen.
Reacting to a White-Tailed Spider Bite
When a white-tailed spider bite is suspected, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Early treatment can help reduce the risk of serious complications.
Try to capture the spider (if available) so that a doctor or medical professional can identify it. This will help give them a better understanding of the spider and the potential severity of the bite.
When seeking medical attention, there are specific symptoms to watch out for that will help diagnose a white-tailed spider bite. These include intense local pain at the site of the bite, redness and swelling around the bitten area, nausea and vomiting, fever, or muscle stiffness.
The doctor will likely physically examine the bite wound and ask questions about the incident. Once it is confirmed that a white-tailed spider bite occurred, a course of treatment can be prescribed.
Treatment usually involves taking an over-the-counter pain reliever to reduce pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, a physician may recommend oral antibiotics to prevent an infection from developing.
Contact Us Today
Tom’s Pest Control Sydney is an expert in removing white-tailed spiders from any property. Our experienced technicians can identify the type of spiders and suggest the most effective treatment for their eradication. Since we use a range of spider control techniques, including physical removal, insecticides, baits and traps, we ensure the complete elimination of all white-tailed spiders from your space. We also inspect the property and advise on preventing future infestations.
With our experienced technicians and high-quality service, you can be assured that your property will be free of white-tailed spiders in no time. So don’t wait any longer. Instead, get in touch with our experts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a White-Tailed Spider?
The white-tailed spider is a species found in Australia, known for its distinctive white tail-like markings on the end of its abdomen. They are known to hunt other spiders, including black house spiders and daddy-long-legs, and their venom can cause skin irritation and ulceration in some people.
How Dangerous Is a White-Tailed Spider?
White-tailed spiders are venomous but not considered highly dangerous to humans. Their venom can cause local skin irritation, pain, and in rare cases, ulceration. However, severe effects such as nausea, muscle pain, and vomiting are uncommon and usually resolve without medical intervention. If you are bitten by a white-tailed spider and experience severe symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention.
Where Do White-Tailed Spiders Live?
White-tailed spiders are commonly encountered in homes and gardens. They prefer warm, sheltered habitats and are often found in clothing, bedding, and shoes left on the floor. White-tailed spiders are also known to hide in crevices and bark in outdoor environments.