What You Need to Know About Redback, Funnel-Web, and Mouse Spider Bites

A GP guide to recognising risk, first aid priorities, and when urgent care is essential

Why spider bites need careful assessment

Australia is home to several spiders whose bites can cause significant illness. Redback, funnel-web, and mouse spider bites are uncommon, but they deserve prompt, informed action. Modern antivenom and emergency care have greatly improved outcomes, especially when first aid and hospital assessment occur early.

Redback spider bites

Redback spiders are widespread and often found around sheds, outdoor furniture, and sheltered corners. Bites usually cause local pain that can spread over hours, sometimes with sweating, nausea, headache, or muscle discomfort. Symptoms may intensify rather than settle. While most bites are not life-threatening, they can be very uncomfortable and may last days without treatment.

First aid:
Wash the area, apply a cold pack for pain relief, and seek medical advice if pain or systemic symptoms develop. Pressure immobilisation is not recommended for redback bites.

Funnel-web spider bites

Funnel-web spiders are among the most dangerous spiders in the world. Bites can inject potent venom that affects the nervous system and can progress rapidly. Early symptoms may include tingling around the mouth, muscle twitching, sweating, nausea, or agitation, and can worsen quickly.

First aid:
Apply a firm pressure bandage and immobilise the limb immediately. Call emergency services without delay. Antivenom is highly effective when given promptly.

Mouse spider bites

Mouse spiders are less aggressive, but their venom can resemble funnel-web venom. Bites are rare and often cause mild symptoms, but serious effects can occur. Because it is difficult to reliably distinguish mouse spider bites from funnel-web bites in the community, medical assessment is important.

First aid:
Use pressure immobilisation and seek urgent medical care, especially if systemic symptoms appear.

Why symptoms can change over time

Spider venom effects may evolve over hours rather than minutes. A bite that initially seems mild can progress, which is why observation matters. Children, older adults, and people with chronic illness may experience different patterns of symptoms.

What not to do

Do not cut the bite, suck venom out, or apply tourniquets. Avoid home remedies that delay proper care. Keeping the person still and calm reduces venom spread and improves outcomes.

Reducing risk around the home

Wearing gloves when gardening, shaking out shoes and clothing, keeping outdoor areas tidy, and reducing clutter in sheds lower the chance of accidental bites. Spiders play an important ecological role and usually bite only when disturbed.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Seek urgent medical care or call emergency services for any suspected funnel-web or serious spider bite, or if concerning symptoms develop.