Redbacks
Redback spiders are found throughout Australia and they are very common in urban areas.RedbackS like living around humans and they build their webs in dry sheltered spots among rocks, in logs, shrubs, junk-piles, sheds and even toilets.Female Redbacks are black with an orange to red long stripe on the upper abdomen and they have a body about the size of a large pea (1cm long) with slender legs (nice!). The males are only about 3-4mm long and the red stripe is less distinct. The body is light brown with white markings.Redback bites occur frequently but only the female bite is dangerous. They can cause serious illness and early symptoms include pain, sweating, muscular weakness, nausea and vomiting.An antivenom is available and no deaths have occurred since its introduction. Apply an ice pack to the bitten area to relieve pain but do not apply a pressure bandage because it only worsens the...
