Spiders
There are more than 35,000 species of spiders around the world, a few thousands of which are common in Sydney. Unfortunately, there are some quite dangerous breeds common to Sydney areas- those that poses sever threat to humans. There exists two types of spiders in Sydney- those that create webs and those that prefer to hide in places such as holes and crevices.
Spiders can be very annoying, especially those found inside your home. They love dark, warm and narrow spaces like wall corners, air vents, cracks in walls and eaves of your home. Other species prefer to stay closer to the outdoors, weaving their webs in your garden or near your outside lighting. There are three spiders whose bites are extremely painful and potentially fatal resulting in hospital care. They include:
- Red-back spider
- Sydney funnel-web spider
- The mouse spider
- White tailed spider
Red back spider
- Reside in dry, dark areas such as under shelves, roof eaves, garden sheds and flower pots.
- Both sexes have black pea shaped body usually with a red mark on the top of the abdomen.
- Are poisonous with fatalities.
- Bite when attacked or disturbed.
- Bites can cause serious illness.
Sydney funnel-web spider
- Female is large, black and glossy on top with reddish-black undersides.
- Male is leggy, black and glossy on top with reddish-black undersides. It also has pointed spur on every second leg.
- Lives in webs in moist locations.
- Are poisonous with fatalities.
- Bites can cause serious illness.
What are the symptoms of spider bites?
- Swelling
- Redness and itchiness
- Extreme pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Muscular weakness
- Unconsciousness
First aid for spider bites
Red back spider and white-tailed spider:
Immediately apply ice pack but DO NOT apply pressure bandage because pressure will increase. Seek medical attention. Antivenom is available.
Funnel-web and mouse spider:
Apply pressure bandage and immobilise the bitten limb by splinting if possible. Make sure the poison stays still because the more still it is the slower the venom will spread through the body.
How can NSW Pest Control help?
From red-back spiders to the common creepy huntsman spiders, NSW Pest Control ensures that your home is pest free. Please Contact NSW Pest Control or call us on 0415 224 338 to see how we can maintain your environment free of ants and other pests.