Find out the 5 of the most poisonous spiders in Australia that are dangerous to humans. Mouse Spider, White-tailed Spider, Trap door Spider, Redback Spider and Sydney Funnel-Web Spider.
The world has many different types of poisonous spiders in Australia, and each type has its own unique characteristics. Some spiders produce venom that causes pain, while others inject toxins into prey that cause paralysis.
Spiders are the most widely distributed venomous creatures in Australia, with an estimated 10,000 species inhabiting a variety of ecosystems. But even though spiders live around us, from our urban centres to the bush, bites are infrequent. In fact, spiders are less life-threatening than snakes or sharks, or even bees.
The 5 Most Poisonous Spiders in Australia:
Mouse Spider
This spider is known to cause severe illness, especially to young children – similar to Red-Back Spider, one of the most poisonous spiders in Australia.
Although normally not aggressive, the male mouse spider will bite if provoked, and should be considered dangerous to humans. It has large hard fangs which can cause a deep painful bite.
White-tailed Spider
The bite of a white-tail spider, one of the most poisonous spiders in Australia, may cause nausea and burning pain followed by swelling and itchiness around the site of the bite.
If you do get bitten by a white-tailed spider, the symptoms are similar to those of a bee sting: an immediate burning sensation in the local area, followed by mild swelling and an itchy red mark.
Trap door Spiders
Their venom is only mildly affective on humans, causing localised pain. They are so named for the burrow they make in the ground, with a “door”.
The spiders are dangerous when children and adults are digging around in the garden unaware of the spiders.
The Redback Spider
This spider has a bite that causes severe pain, swelling, nausea, vomiting, and muscle weakness.
There are two main types of redback spiders found in Australia: the common brown redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) and the black widow spider (Latrodectis mactans).
Both types of these spiders are dangerous because they can deliver a painful bite that can lead to death.
Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
The Sydney funnel-web spider is without a doubt the most venomous spider in Australia and one of the most feared in the entire world.
Found across New South Wales in forested and urban areas, this spider can grow anywhere from 1.5cm to 3.5cm in leg span.
While it isn’t the biggest spider in the world, don’t let size fool you. A Sydney funnel-web spider’s fangs can grow longer than a brown snake and are so powerful they can even pierce through your toe-nails.
Worried about spiders you’ve found in your home? The best way to get rid of poisonous spiders in Australia or handle a spider infestation is to hire a qualified pest control specialist to ensure the infestation has been properly dealt with. While spiders are definitely beneficial, there are still many reasons to keep them at bay inside your homes.
A1 Pest Control Canberra offers affordable and convenient spider treatments for inside your home and out. Give us a call on 0407 065 413 if spiders or other pests are a