SOURCE: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/accidents-and-injuries/bites-and-stings/spider-bites FETCHED: 2026-11-03 16:00 AEDT - - - - Spider bites - treatment, symptoms and first aid | healthdirect - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Skip to content Print Share # Spider bites Warning: If you've been bitten by a big black spider, treat it as a medical emergency. Call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. ## Key facts - A funnel-web spider bite is a medical emergency, and you should call an ambulance. - Most redback spider bites can be treated at home. - White tail spiders aren't considered dangerous to humans. - In some people, spider bites can cause anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction). ## What are spider bites? In Australia, it can be difficult to know if a spider bite is dangerous or not. Most spider bites cause only local irritation where you were bitten. But bites from funnel-web spiders and redback spiders cause harm to humans. ### Different types of spider bite Spider bites can be split into 3 groups: - Funnel-web spiders and other big black spiders — bites from these spiders are very dangerous and can cause death. - Redback spiders — bites from redbacks can cause a lot of pain, but they aren't life-threatening. - All other spiders in Australia are generally harmless. ## What symptoms are related to spider bites? Symptoms will depend on what type of spider has bitten you. ### Funnel-web spider and other big black spider bite symptoms A funnel-web spider bite causes: - bad pain at the bite site - lots of sweating - nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and abdominal (tummy) pain Other symptoms that you may have include: - drooling - muscle twitching - difficulty breathing - confusion , leading to unconsciousness - numbness around your mouth and tongue Mouse spider bites are not common, but their symptoms are like those caused by a bite from a funnel-web spider. ### Redback spider bite symptoms A redback spider bite can cause: - pain where the spider bit you - sweating - headache - muscle weakness or spasms ### White tail spiders White tail spiders aren't considered dangerous to humans. A white tail spider bite can cause: - an initial burning pain - swelling - blisters Current evidence suggests that white tail spider bites do not cause skin ulcers (necrotising arachnidism). CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help. The Symptom Checker guides you to the next appropriate healthcare steps, whether it's self-care, talking to a health professional, going to a hospital or calling triple zero (000). ## When should I see my doctor? If you think you have been bitten by a funnel-web spider or any big, black spider, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. See your doctor if you have been bitten by another type of spider and: - you have a lot of pain - the bite does not settle down within a few hours - the swelling or itching gets worse after 24-48 hours - if you are worried ## How are spider bites treated? ### First aid for a funnel-web spider bite If someone has been bitten by a funnel-web spider, stay calm and follow these steps: - Lie them down and keep them still. - Apply an elasticated roller bandage (see below). - Use a splint to keep their arm or leg still — this slows the movement of venom around their body. - Mark the site of the bite on the skin with a pen or take a photo. - Write down the time of the bite and when the bandage was put on. - Wait for the ambulance to arrive. ### Putting on a pressure immobilisation bandage Only use an immobilisation bandage for funnel web or mouse spider bites. Using an elasticated roller bandage is recommended for anyone bitten by a big, black, hairy spider. An elasticated bandage slows down the movement of spider venom into your blood. Follow these steps to apply an elasticated roller bandage: - Wrap an elasticated bandage (10cm to 15cm wide) over the bite. - Wrap a second elasticated bandage over the whole limb (arm or leg) — start just above the fingers or toes and move towards your body. The bandage should be tight — but shouldn't cut off your circulation. You should not be able to easily slide a finger between the bandage and your skin. ### First aid for a redback spider bite If you have been bitten by a redback spider: - Wash the bite area with soap and water. - Use a cold pack for 15 minutes to help ease the pain. - See your doctor if you have bad symptoms. If your pain is very bad, go to your local hospital emergency department. ### First aid for other spider bites For all other spider bites: - wash the bite with soap and water - apply antiseptic cream if you have it - apply an ice-pack to reduce swelling and manage pain - you can also use paracetamol or ibuprofen to manage your pain Don't put the ice pack directly on your skin as it might cause a cold burn. Always wrap it in a clean cloth like a tea towel. If your symptoms get worse, see a doctor. ### Should I catch the spider? You can try to carefully catch the spider so it can be identified. To do this: - Place an empty jar over the spider. - Push a stiff piece of card under the mouth of the jar. - Up-end the jar so that the spider falls to the bottom. - Quickly remove the card and replace the jar's lid. ## Complications of spider bites If someone is experiencing anaphylaxis, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. Some people have a severe allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ) to being bitten by a spider. This is very serious and can cause death. Symptoms of anaphylaxis are: - difficult or noisy breathing - a swollen tongue - swelling or tightness in the throat - persistent cough - difficulty talking or a hoarse voice - dizziness - collapse - being pale and floppy (young children) If the person collapses or stops breathing they may need cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ## Can spider bites be prevented? To prevent spider bites: - leave spiders alone — teach your child to never touch spiders - wear gloves when gardening - remove spider webs in your house and relocate spiders outside - check your shoes before putting them on ## Resources and support You can learn more about spiders on the Australian Museum website (Opens in new tab) . St John Ambulance Australia has a first aid fact sheet for spiders (Opens in new tab) on its website. St John Ambulance Australia has a printable poster on first aid resuscitation procedures (Opens in new tab) . The Australian Bites & Stings app (Opens in new tab) contains first aid instructions on what to do if bitten or stung by a venomous creature, and is free to download. For more information on anaphylaxis, visit the Australasian Society of Clinical Immunology and Allergy's website (Opens in new tab) . You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ### Sources - NSW Poisons Information Centre — Have I been bitten by something poisonous? (Opens in new tab) - NSW Poisons Information Centre — Bites and Stings Factsheet (Opens in new tab) - NSW Poisons Information Centre — Pressure immobilisation (Opens in new tab) - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners — Spider bites (Opens in new tab) - The Medical Journal of Australia — White-tail spider bite: a prospective study of 130 definite bites by Lampona species (Opens in new tab) - St John Ambulance Australia — Spider bites (Opens in new tab) - The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne — Insect bites and stings (Opens in new tab) - Sydney Children's Hospitals Network — Spider bites (Opens in new tab) - Queensland Government — Spider bites (Opens in new tab) - Australian Museum — Spider bites and venoms (Opens in new tab) - Australian Museum — White tailed spider (Opens in new tab) - Australian Museum — Mouse spiders (Opens in new tab) Find out how we develop and review our content . Last reviewed: October 2024 ## Need more information? These trusted information partners have more on this topic. General search results Results for medical professionals Top results ### Spider bites factsheet Australia has some of the most venomous spiders in the world. Some spider bites can be harmful and need emergency medical treatment. Learn more on Sydney Children's Hospitals Network website ### Spider bites – St John Australia Learn more on St John Ambulance Australia website ### White-tail spider bite - symptoms and treatment - myDr.com.au Although a white-tail spider bite can be painful and cause temporary skin irritation, experts say it’s very unlikely to cause skin ulcers and slow-healing wounds. Learn more on myDoctor website ### Spiders | Better Health Channel Australia has about 2,000 species of spider but most species are relatively harmless to humans. Learn more on Better Health Channel website ### Bites and stings – first aid | Better Health Channel First aid information about what to do If for common bites and stings. Includes - spiders, snakes, scorpions, bees, ticks, wasps, octopus, jellyfish and other sea creatures. Learn more on Better Health Channel website ### First aid for bites and stings - myDr.com.au First aid tips for bites and stings from some of the most venomous creatures in the world - snakes, spiders, jellyfish, blue ringed octopus and cone snail - all of which are found in Australia. Learn more on myDoctor website ### Spider veins, bruises and scars - myDr.com.au Spider veins (fine, purple, red or blue veins), bruises and scars are common skin problems. Find out what products are available for spider veins, bruises and scars. Learn more on myDoctor website ### Insect bites & stings: treatment | Raising Children Network You can treat many insect bites and stings yourself. For example, pain relief and cold packs usually work for mosquito bites, ant bites, bee stings and so on. Learn more on raisingchildren.net.au website ### Bites and stings | NT.GOV.AU Bites and stings from bats, insects, caterpillars, jellyfish and mosquitoes. Learn more on NT Health website ### ACD A-Z of Skin - Spider Naevi Spider naevi are prominent blood vessels affecting up to 10% of the population. They usually occur as single or multiple blood vessels on the face, chest and neck areas. Learn more on Australasian College of Dermatologists website Show more Top results ### Basic First-aid for the Envenomated Person (Snakes, Spiders and Insects) Envenomation is the exposure to an animal’s toxic secretion (known as venom), generally via a bite or sting. While death due to envenomation is rare, with only 19 occurrences recorded between 2017 and 2018, envenomation can cause serious illness and requires immediate treatment. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Lyme Disease Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is a bacterial infection transmitted through tick bites. It is a potentially multi-systemic condition that, if left untreated, may lead to serious symptoms. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Understanding Malaria: Should Australians be Concerned? Malaria is an infectious disease caused by the parasite Plasmodium, which is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. At least 200 million people are infected with malaria every year. In 2023, there were 597,000 malaria deaths worldwide. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### Head Lice: What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them Head lice are small, wingless, biting insects that live on, breed in and feed on the human scalp. An adult louse can range from a whitish-brown to reddish-brown colour and is about 2 to 4 millimetres in length. Learn more on Ausmed Education website ### What is Dengue? Dengue is a mosquito-transmitted virus that causes dengue fever, a flu-like illness. Dengue is transmitted through a bite from two types of mosquito: the Dengue mosquito (Aedes aegypti) and the Asian Tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus). Learn more on Ausmed Education website ## Search our site for - Insect Bites and Stings ## Symptom Checker Worried about your health? Select a symptom, answer some questions, get advice Start a symptom check ## Service Finder service category General practice Pharmacy Hospital Emergency department Search other services Enter suburb or postcode Use current location Find a service Back to top