The Ultimate First Aid Guide To Funnel-Web Spider Bites

spider web

Quick facts:

  • Australia is home to over 40 species of funnel-web spiders
  • There have been 13 documented deaths from funnel-web spider bites
  • Over 100 people have been saved from antivenom
  • 30-40 people are bitten by funnel-web spiders yearly in Australia

For immediate first aid treatment for funnel-web spider bites, follow these steps:

  1. Stay calm
  2. Call 000
  3. Apply a pressure bandage
  4. Splint the limb
  5. Be ready to perform CPR

For a more depth explanation of first aid treatment, and a helpful infographic, click here.

Atracids, more commonly known as funnel-webs, are a notorious family of spiders that are native to Australia. The not-so-itsy-bitsy funnel-web spider is one of the most venomous spiders in the world, and is responsible for 13 fatalities.

Luckily, in 1981 an antivenom was developed. Since then, there have been no recorded deaths and over 100 people have been saved by the antivenom.

But 30-40 people are bitten by funnel-web spiders every year in Australia. And when not treated correctly there can be fatal or very serious consequences.

Furthermore, funnel-web spiders thrive in humid conditions, as it’s their preferred weather for mating (9 News). This means the Australian summer, which spikes to an average humidity of 65%, offers the perfect conditions for funnel-web spiders. 

That’s why it’s important to be prepared for the unfortunate situation of a funnel-web spider bite, and better yet, know how to avoid the situation altogether. 

In this guide, we’ll look at the dangers of funnel-web spiders, and how to avoid, identify symptoms of, and treat a funnel-web spider bite.

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What Makes Funnel-Web Spiders So Dangerous?

Australia is home to over 40 species of funnel-web spiders (Australian Museum). However, not all species are known to be dangerous. The deadliest species is the male of Atrax robustus, more commonly known as the Sydney funnel-web spider, which is responsible for all recorded deaths and many more bites which have led to serious medical emergencies.

What makes the Sydney funnel-web spider particularly so fatal are delta-hexatoxins, which are the neurotoxic peptides found in the venom (The University of Queensland). The Sydney funnel-web spiders’ toxins originally evolved to prey on insects such as cockroaches and flies. But as the male spiders left the safety of their burrow they started to encounter dangerous vertebrate predators, such as birds and bandicoots. This natural selection put pressure on the venom of the male spider to switch from insect-specific to vertebrate-specific. 

And unfortunately, we humans are vertebrate species. And this venom can kill a human in just 15 minutes (Australian Geographic).

How To Avoid A Funnel-Web Spider Bite

To avoid a bite from a funnel-web spider it’s crucial to know what they look like and where you’ll likely find them.

How to identify a funnel-web spider:

  • Black body and legs
  • Shiny carapace (front part of their body)
  • Medium to large size (1cm to 5cm)

If a spider fits the above criteria, it is best to avoid it carefully. 

Even if it’s not a funnel-web spider, it could still be another dangerous ‘big black spider’, such as the mouse spider, which is venomous and very common in Australian households. 

So where do funnel-web spiders live? 

Funnel-web spiders are typically found in the moist forest regions of Australia’s east coast, ranging from Tasmania to North Queensland. 

As they like to make their burrows in moist sheltered habitats, you likely won’t find them in the middle of your backyard lawn, but rather under loose rocks, bark, or logs while gardening. 

Now you know what to look out for, here’s how you can significantly reduce your chances of being bitten by a funnel-web spider:

  • Keep your garden free of rubble and rubbish where spiders can hide
  • Wear fully-enclosed shoes with socks, gloves and a long sleeved shirt when gardening
  • Proactively check your shoes and household items for funnel-web spiders

Symptoms Of Funnel-Web Spider Bites

If you think you or someone else has been bitten by a funnel-web spider, look out for the following symptoms:

  • Visible puncture wounds
  • Extreme soreness around the bite wound
  • Swelling and redness
  • Nausea and abdominal pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • General muscle numbness and muscle spasms
  • Profuse sweating
  • Heavy coughing

Treatment Of Funnel-Web Spider Bites

If the victim is displaying the above symptoms, you should immediately take the following action:

  • Stay calm – keep the victim calm and still as this helps to slow the flow of venom
  • Call 000
  • Apply a pressure bandage – start at the bottom of the affected limb (fingers or toes) and wind firmly to the top (shoulder or hip)
  • Splint the limb to stop movement if possible
  • Be actively ready to perform CPR if the victim loses consciousness and stops breathing
first aid for funnel-web spider bites infographic
Download This First Aid Resource For Funnel-Web Bites Here

Learn First Aid & CPR This Summer With Vital First Aid

Not only can learning first aid and CPR be crucial in dealing with a funnel-web spider bite, but it can save lives in a variety of situations.

Our first aid courses and CPR courses are run throughout the summer by our professional and friendly team.

We hold courses throughout Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast.

If you’re interested, call us today, or book a course online.

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