ACT Environmental Auth No: 0619 Lic No: 5084551
Termite Accred No: 5387
As a country known for its dangerous spiders, Australia’s households are often hypersensitive to the eight-legged critters. Despite this reputation, however, a vast majority of Australia’s 10,000 species of spider are harmless. So what should you do if you encounter one?
1. Don’t panic
This may be easier said than done for arachnophobes but, as long as you haven’t been bitten, you should be able to remain in control of the situation.
Once you’ve situated the spider, try and identify its species. Fortunately, Australia’s two most dangerous spiders - the funnel-web spider and the redback spider - are easily recognisable thanks to their unique appearances. The funnel-web spider tends to measure between 1cm and 5cm and boasts a shiny blue-black carapace and spinnerets at the end of its abdomen. The redback spider, meanwhile, is much smaller, measuring between 3mm and 10mm, and possesses a striking red stripe on its abdomen. While the redback is known for its deadliness, it may reassure you to know that no humans deaths have been reported as a result of the species since the introduction of an effective antivenom in 1956.
2. Seek help if necessary
Of course, if you are unlucky enough to be bitten by a funnel-web or redback spider, or indeed are reacting badly to a bite from a different species, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. Spider venom affects different people in different ways, and those with pre-existing medical conditions are at particular risk of complications from bites.
3. Take action to remove the spider
If you are confident that the spider is harmless and you are comfortable with getting close to it, simply cover it with a cup, slide some paper underneath it, and release it into the outdoors where it belongs. Try not to kill the spider, as they can get riled up if you happen to miss.
If the spider is dangerous or you are unsure of its species, it is a very good idea to call the professionals in. At A1 Pest Control, we have the power to deal with domestic spider issues. If you are worried about a venomous spider or are experiencing a spider infestation, call us today on (02) 6278 5858.
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Contact information
Phone: (02) 6278 5858
Mobile: 0415 915 259
Licence# 5084551
Termite Accreditation# 5387