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Funnel-web spiders are:

• black or dark brown 
• shiny or glossy
• around 1.5-3.5 cm long.

They make burrows and hide in and around places like:

• logs
• rocks
• dense garden shrubs
• holes and rotted parts of some trees.

Funnel-web spiders can move very quickly. When threatened, they rear up on their back legs, lunge, and bite with their fangs. They are often confused with other black spiders, like mouse spiders.

Mouse spiders are:

• plump
• black, black with a light grey or white patch on top, or dark blue 
• shiny or glossy
• around 1.5-3.5 cm long.

Mouse spiders are less common. They live in burrows, often near:

• riverbanks
• creeks
• gardens.

Like funnel-web spiders, mouse spiders move quickly and will rear up and bite if they feel threatened. They are also sometimes confused with funnel-web spiders.

Redback spiders:

• are black or dark brown with a red stripe on their body
• have long, thin legs
• have round bodies and smaller heads
• are around 1 cm long for females and 3-4 mm for males.

Redback spiders are common in places where humans live. They build webs in dry, sheltered areas like:

• rocks
• logs
• rubbish piles
• bushes
• sheds
• toilets.

They are most likely to bite if their web is disturbed.

Symptoms include:

• severe pain
• sweating
• nausea and vomiting
• drooling
• headache
• watery eyes
• difficulty breathing
• confusion and anxiety
• numbness
• tingling and twitching in the mouth
• tongue and muscle spasms.

Symptoms include:

• severe pain that can spread away from the bite
• redness and swelling 
• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• sweating
• muscle aches
• tiredness
• weakness.

These symptoms can be delayed and may last for several days.

Other spider bites, including white-tail spiders, usually cause mild symptoms around the bite, such as:

• mild or sharp pain
• burning
• redness
• swelling
• blistering.

Some children may have a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, to spider bites. Symptoms can include: 

• wheezing, difficult, or noisy breathing 
• swelling of the tongue
• swelling or tightness in the throat
• a persistent cough
• difficulty talking or a hoarse voice
• dizziness
• becoming pale and floppy in young children
• collapsing.

Children at risk of anaphylaxis may also vomit.

If your child has signs of anaphylaxis, you should:

• follow your child’s ASCIA action plan for anaphylaxis if you have one
• use an EpiPen® or Anapen®, if there is one available
• call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance.

To give first aid for a bite from a funnel-web or other big, black-coloured spider:

1. remove your child from danger
2. call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and follow any instructions given over the phone
3. wrap the bite and limb in a pressure bandage
4. keep your child as still as possible until the ambulance arrives.
5. Watch to make sure your child does not lose consciousness or stop breathing.

Pressure bandaging prevents the venom from travelling further into the body. The bandages should be wrapped firmly but not so tight that your child feels numb or that their skin changes colour.

To apply a pressure bandage:

1. wrap a firm, wide elastic bandage over the bite
2. wrap a firm, wide elastic bandage over the entire limb � fingers to shoulder, toes to hip
3. use a splint or another hard object to keep the limb straight.

If you do not have an elastic bandage, you can use:

• clothing
• towels
• socks or stockings.

For bites from red-backs and other spiders:

1. wash the bite with soap and water.
2. apply antiseptic cream if available.
3. use an ice pack or cool water to reduce swelling and pain � do not use ice on the eyes
4. use pain relief, like paracetamol or ibuprofen, if needed.
5. monitor for worsening symptoms or infection.

If pain and symptoms get worse, or your child develops an infection:

• call the poisons information centre on 13 11 26 for advice and support
• speak to your local doctor as soon as possible.

Your child will be monitored for symptoms in the hospital. Anti-venom may be used for funnel-web bites to prevent the venom from causing further harm.

Anti-venom is a special medication that can be injected into the bloodstream. Anti-venom treats funnel-web spider bites by stopping the venom from working.

One of the best ways to prevent spider bites is to teach your child to leave spiders alone. Spiders usually bite to protect themselves, so bites often happen when a spider is accidentally touched or picked up.

If your child sees a spider, they should:

• stay calm
  • move away slowly
  • tell an adult right away.

To keep your child safe from spiders, you can:

• avoid disturbing areas where funnel-web or mouse spiders live, like rocks and logs
• have your child wear gloves when gardening or digging
• dress your child in closed shoes, long sleeves, and pants for activities like bushwalking
• be cautious after heavy rain, as it can flush funnel-web spiders out of their homes
• avoid touching spiders in water, even if they look dead, as they can survive for hours
• take care when cleaning outdoor areas, including pool skimmer boxes
• watch for spider webs around outdoor furniture or sheds.

Insect repellent can help keep spiders away but won’t protect your child if they’re bitten.

Children over 12 months can safely use small amounts of insect repellent. Repellents containing up to 10% DEET are safe for kids. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure which repellent to use.

Tips for using insect repellent safely:

• avoid applying it to the eyes, mouth, or broken skin
• spray it on your child’s clothing rather than directly on their skin, especially for younger children
• reapply it after swimming, sweating, or exercising.