Spiders, ants and other little biters
spiders; ants; funnel; web; bite; sting; poison; first; aid; flea; redback; red; back; white; tail; huntsman; mouse; antivenom; anti-venom;
Contents
Australia has more than its fair share of bitey things. Most of them are fairly shy creatures and don't bother us if we don't bother them.
A few 'bities' can make us feel a bit uncomfortable if they do bite us. Rarely they can make us feel really sick.
Funnel-web and mouse spiders
Funnel-web spiders (Eastern Australia) can cause serious health problems and if they are severe and untreated they may cause death.
- Funnel-web spider bites can be painful.
- Since the use of anti-venom, no-one in Australia has died of a spider bite.
- Clear rubbish where spiders can lurk.
- Don't annoy spiders - your fun can end up being most unfunny!
First aid
- For funnel-web and mouse spider bites, get the person who has been bitten to the doctor or hospital straight away.
- The effects on the body often start quickly, with tingling of the lips and twitching of the tongue.
- Place a firm pressure bandage over the bite area, then down the limb, and then up again to the groin or armpit.
- Use a splint to prevent movement.
- Keep the person still so that the poison does not move any faster.
- Try to keep the person calm.
These will help prevent the poison from spreading.
If you want to know more have a look at the Toxinology site Sydney Funnel Web Spiders.
Redback spiders
Red back spider bites are common. They very rarely cause death.
- They can cause severe pain at the site of the bite, and more rarely sweating, muscle weakness, feeling ill and vomiting. There may be tummy pain.
- The symptoms can get worse for an hour or two.
First aid
- Apply an icepack to lessen the pain.
- Do not apply a pressure bandage as this can make the pain worse.
- Keep the person as quiet as possible.
- Take the person to a doctor as soon as possible in case anti-venom is needed (it is usually not needed).
For more information have a look at the Toxinology site about Red-back Spiders.
White-tailed spiders
White-tailed spiders are common. Quite a lot of people get bitten because spiders are found in homes, perhaps in clothing or shoes left on the floor - another good reason for putting your stuff away!
- There may be stinging, then an itchy lump.
- These spiders used to be thought to cause ulcers at the site of the bite. This is now known to be untrue. Probably white-tailed spider bites do not cause much reaction for most people.
First aid
- Use an ice pack for the pain and see a doctor if symptoms persist.
For more information have a look at the Toxinology site White-tailed Spiders.
House spiders
Brown and black house spiders will bite occasionally.
- Their bites may cause local pain and swelling.
- Occasionally there can be skin problems around the bite which takes some time to heal.
First aid
- Use ice pack if needed for pain and swelling.
- Antihistamines and paracetamol for pain may help.
Huntsman spiders
- These spiders come into houses, especially in summer. They are usually timid.
- Bites cause pain around the bite and occasionally headache and vomiting.
If any reactions happen away from the site of the bite with any spider bite, see your doctor.
- Take the spider if it can be caught safely (in a closed, see-through container, jam jar and cling wrap will do, unless the spider is really huge, with huge teeth and hairy legs and… Sorry my phobia is showing!)
Fleas
- Fleas are small, brown, wingless insects about 1.5mm to 4mm in size. They have long hind legs and can jump up to 2 metres.
- Cat and dog fleas are the most common in Australia.
- Fleas breed in the fur of animals and feed off their blood.
- Flea eggs fall off the animals and can collect around animal bedding and resting places.
- Larvae (baby fleas) feed off food scraps, animal and human skin scales and flea poo. Adult fleas feed off blood and they sometimes bite people as well as animals.
- Flea bites on people are usually found on the lower parts of their legs and their feet.
- People and animals often become sensitive to the bites, causing intense itching.
Controlling fleas
- Regularly vacuum floors and any areas where animals rest or sleep.
- Wash animal bedding in hot water regularly. Treat bedding with insecticides if necessary.
- Wash your dog with a flea control shampoo, brush your cat with a flea control powder, or use liquid that is squeezed onto their skin.
- Make sure that you wash yourself really well afterwards in case their fleas have moved in with you after you have evicted them from their regular home!
- Once you have treated pets for fleas, keep them out of the house until you're sure that the fleas are all gone.
- Animals with fleas should also be treated for tapeworm.
- If fleas keep coming back, you may have to treat floors and animal bedding with insecticide after cleaning and washing.
- A pest control operator or your local council can give advice in difficult cases.
Ants
- Nearly all kinds of ant can bite or sting.
- Ant bites can hurt for some hours and be red and swollen.
- Sometimes ant bites can cause allergic reactions (any reaction that is away from where the bite is will need immediate medical attention).
- There are now jumping ants in parts of Australia and they can cause very painful bites and allergic symptoms such as swelling around the bite area in sensitive people.
Resources
Australia
- Local Councils can usually give advice about preventing and eradicating fleas and other pests.
- National Poisons Information Centre Network (Australia) 13 11 26.
References
Department of Health, South Australia
http://www.dh.sa.gov.au/pehs/environ-health-index.htm
Department of Health SA 'Guidelines for the control of public health pests, (pediculosis, biting fleas, scabies and bedbugs)'
http://enhealth.nphp.gov.au/council/pubs/pdf/vermin.pdf
The information on this site should not be used as an alternative to professional care. If you have a particular problem, see a doctor, or ring the Youth Healthline on 1300 13 17 19 (local call cost from anywhere in South Australia).