If you live in Australia, you probably know that poisonous Redback spiders live almost everywhere in the country. If you are planning to visit Australia, you need to know that the female Redback spider's bite is extremely poisonous, and sometimes lethal. Most hospitals and rescue vehicles in Australia always have antivenin serum against this spider bite on hand.
Steps
Step 1. Learn to recognize a Redback spider
Here are some specific features.
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Physical characteristics:
The female is about the size of a small marble. The male is smaller than the female. Redback spiders don't always have the red mark.
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Poisonous:
Yup
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He lives in:
Australia
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Food:
This spider eats the male after mating, and looks for much larger prey than most spiders, including mice and small vertebrates.
Method 1 of 3: Spot a Redback Spider
The female's bite is extremely poisonous, and the red marking is not always evident, so you should take a photograph of the spider you want to identify and ask an expert to help you. Definitely, you shouldn't get too close or try to catch it to put it in a vase or other container.
Step 1. Look for the distinctive red stripe found on the back of their abdomen
But don't assume it's not a Redback if you don't see it.
Step 2. Note the coloring of the spider
- An adult female is jet black in color, with a variable red stripe on the back of the abdomen.
- A young female is usually brown and small with whitish markings.
- A male (rarely seen) is small and brown with red and white markings.
Method 2 of 3: Recognizing the Habitat of the Redback Spider
Both male and female spiders are not aggressive, and the poisonous female rarely leaves her web. However, you need to know the most common areas where you can find their web.
Step 1. Pay attention to the foundations and exteriors of buildings, including sheds, heaps of materials deposited outdoors and furniture
Step 2. Wear thick gloves, if you are going to lift rocks or logs, spiders like to nest in these spaces
Step 3. Always wear gloves and long sleeves when gardening
Step 4. Always check before opening your mailbox
Step 5. Keep in mind that if you illuminate the porch, the light will attract the insects that the Redback spider loves to eat, and it will become a great place to build a web
Method 3 of 3: Treat a Bite
A bite from a female is extremely poisonous, and can be fatal to children and the elderly.
Step 1. Apply ice to the bite
If you can't get it, use cold water you can find, but don't bandage the area; the venom does not move fast and a tight bandage will only increase the pain.
Step 2. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever while waiting for medical attention
The pain in the first 5 - 10 minutes after the bite is tolerable, but then intensifies.
Step 3. Be prepared for the first symptoms you will experience:
profuse sweating, vomiting, abdominal pain, muscle spasms and severe pain.
Advice
- Although the antidote for the Redback spider bite is available and very effective, (no one died if they took the antidote), you should still see your doctor immediately if you get bitten.
- Redback spiders are preyed upon by long-legged and white-tailed spiders.
- Females usually live for about 3 years and males live for about 7 months.
