Key Takeaways – Are Spiders Deadly?
-
Most spider bites are not fatal — in Australia, there have been no confirmed deaths from spider bites since 1980 due to effective antivenom and prompt medical care.
-
Dangerous Australian species include the funnel-web spider, redback spider, and huntsman, but fatal incidents are extremely rare.
-
Spider venom types are either neurotoxic (affects the nervous system) or cytotoxic (damages tissue cells).
-
Serious bite symptoms requiring emergency care include breathing difficulty, chest pain, severe allergic reactions, or signs of necrosis.
-
Statistical risk is low — in the U.S., spider bites averaged just six deaths per year from 2008–2015, representing 3% of animal-related fatalities.
-
Spiders hospitalise more than they kill — Australian data (2000–2013) shows nearly 12,000 hospitalisations but zero deaths.
-
Other animals are more deadly — snakes caused 27 deaths and bees/wasps over 70% of insect-related hospitalisations in the same Australian study period.
-
First aid for spider bites includes keeping still, applying a pressure immobilisation bandage for funnel-web bites, and seeking immediate medical help.
-
Location matters — venom potency, species distribution, and medical response time influence the danger level of a spider bite.
-
Preparedness saves lives — knowing first aid techniques greatly reduces risks from dangerous spider bites.
Depending on the species, people ask: are spiders deadly? Certain spiders have cultivated a fearsome reputation of being quite vicious and deadly. Depending on where you are, there is a high chance of a lethal spider nearby.
One example is Australia, which plays host to several deadly spider species. These include the brown recluse, the redback, and even the funnel web, which many consider the most venomous spider in the world.
The dangerous bites of spiders introduce many negative symptoms to people. The worst-case scenario is that a bite may lead to death.
Despite that, the question must still be asked: are spiders deadly?
Let’s learn more about how many people statistically die from spider bites.
Why Are Spiders Dangerous?
Some spider bites are venomous. The effects of this venom depend on the species of spider, its size and age, and the person who was bitten.
A spider bite will usually only result in localised pain and swelling.
However, there are certain occasions when the venom might cause more serious health problems.
What Are the Spider Bite Symptoms That Require Emergency Attention?
To indicate if a spider bite needs medical attention, here are the symptoms you need to watch out for.
Fevers, Headaches, Nausea
Fevers, headaches, nausea, and vomiting are common symptoms of being bitten by a venomous spider. Alone, these symptoms are not lethal. However, if the problems persist for longer, it may indicate an even more serious problem building up.
Chest Pains, Heart and Breathing Issues
More serious cases might cause chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. These are all indications that the venom might be causing severe damage to your cardiovascular system, and you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Some people are allergic to the touch of certain spiders, and a spider bite may cause a severe allergic reaction. This might manifest in hives, difficulty breathing, or anaphylaxis, leading to anaphylactic shock.
Anaphylactic shock is a potentially life-threatening reaction where the person’s blood pressure drops suddenly, and they have difficulty breathing.
Necrosis
Necrosis is the medical term for the death of cells in the body. In some cases, the venom from a spider bite might cause the tissue around the area of the bite to die. This can lead to secondary infections and, in severe cases, even require amputation.
What are the Two Types of A Spider’s Venom?
- Neurotoxic – This type of spider’s venom affects the nervous system.
- Cytotoxic – This type of spider’s venom damages tissue cells directly.
Most spider bites are not fatal because the amount of venom injected is minimal. However, some species of spiders’ venom can be pretty potent.
For example, the funnel web spider has a neurotoxic venom that is very dangerous to humans. If left untreated, a single bite can result in death within 15 minutes.
How Many Spider Deaths Are There a Year?
In truth, no comprehensive study collates the number of spider deaths over a long period, let alone worldwide. Fortunately, there are studies spanning several years and several countries.
So the question is, how many spider deaths genuinely occur? Let’s look at several reports.
1989 – 1993: A US Study
One report covering the four years of 1989 to 1993 in the United States showed that spider incidents ranged just below 5,000. This is compared to the number of dog bites, which numbered over 800,000.
Regarding deaths, it may be interesting to note that dog bites result in 20 deaths per year. In addition, deer-related death incidents resulted in over 100 deaths per year.
What are the deaths from spiders per year in this period? Zero.
People may be surprised to hear about this information and even be sceptical due to the study’s date. The number of spider deaths can’t be that low, right?
2008 – 2015: A US Study
Next, we go to a more recent spider study from the United States. This study collated information on spider bite deaths from 2008 to 2015. Within those seven years, the average number of spider deaths per year was just six.
Over 1,600 animal-related fatalities were recorded throughout this period. This means that spider bites comprised just 3% of deaths.
It’s also surprising to learn that most animal fatalities didn’t come from savage wildlife beasts like lions and bears. Instead, 30% of deaths came from anaphylactic shock from bees, wasps, and similar insects.
Two studies down and one to go. This raises the question: Are spiders deadly? Let’s see what one more study says about it.
2000 – 2013: An Australian Study
The final study we have is from Australia, covering the period of 2000 to 2013. In this study, the spiders begin to rack up some numbers, but not where it counts.
This study was able to collate that spiders were the second highest reason for hospitalisations, coming at almost 12,000. The only creatures to hospitalise more than they were hornets, wasps, and insects.
Please remember that these are only hospitalisations, not deaths. There were zero spider deaths during this period.
While recent studies elude us, past studies show that deadly spiders are not as lethal as we think, especially regarding how many people they have killed. For example, the Australian Museum states that the number of funnel-web spider deaths per year is around 13.
Things More Deadly Than a Spider
These recent studies have shown us that while spider bites are every bit as dangerous as we think they are, they are not as lethal as we believe. The number of average deaths in these countries shows that they don’t kill as much.
With that said, let’s look at several things more deadly than a spider.
Snakes
The first creature on our list is a snake. Snakes and spiders are two creatures that have dangerous venom within their fangs. They also have multiple species. However, it seems that snakes kill more people statistically than spiders.
In the same Australian study, snakes caused the most deaths during that period, 27.
Bees, Wasps, Hornets
Bees, wasps, and hornets are more deadly than spiders. Statistics show they are the biggest threat to public health, with 76% of hospital admissions attributed to these flying venomous insects.
Most of the deaths from these insects happen due to an allergic reaction.
Although only a few creatures are on the list, it should show how deadly spiders are compared to other insects and animals.
Could/Should
If these studies have shown us anything, spider bites do not result in as many deaths as one would think. As such, we can finally put the question of “Are spiders deadly?” to rest.
Despite what the data shows us, we cannot ignore the danger of spiders. While the number is low, the risks from their venom are still accurate.
That is why it is always important to stay cautious and prepared. Learn the proper first aid practices when these emergencies happen by taking a first aid course.
Learn first aid today with CPR First Aid’s Liverpool course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are spiders deadly to humans?
Most spider species are not deadly to humans. While some spiders—like the funnel-web or redback—have potent venom, modern antivenom and medical care have drastically reduced fatality risks. In Australia, there have been no confirmed spider bite deaths since 1980.
How many people die from spider bites each year?
In Australia, the annual average for spider-related deaths is zero, thanks to widespread access to antivenom and emergency care. In the U.S., spider bites caused an average of 6 deaths per year between 2008 and 2015—a small fraction of total animal-related fatalities.
Which spiders are considered the most dangerous?
The most venomous spiders include:
- Funnel-web spider – known for its fast-acting neurotoxic venom
- Redback spider – can cause severe symptoms if untreated
- Brown recluse (more common in the U.S.) – known for cytotoxic venom causing tissue damage
Despite their venom, fatal bites are rare with timely medical treatment.
What are the symptoms of a dangerous spider bite?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Severe pain, chest tightness, or breathing difficulties
- Fever, nausea, or vomiting that worsens
- Hives, swelling of the face, or anaphylaxis
- Signs of necrosis (tissue damage) near the bite site
These may indicate a life-threatening reaction to spider venom.
What type of venom do spiders have?
Spiders produce two main types of venom:
- Neurotoxic venom – affects the nervous system (e.g., funnel-web)
- Cytotoxic venom – destroys tissue cells (e.g., brown recluse)
Most bites inject only small amounts of venom, but in rare cases, it can be dangerous.
Are spiders more dangerous than snakes or bees?
Statistically, snakes and bees or wasps are more deadly than spiders:
- Snakes caused 27 deaths in Australia between 2000–2013
- Bees, wasps, and hornets account for over 70% of insect-related hospitalisations, mainly from allergic reactions
- Spiders caused zero deaths in the same period
Should I worry about spider bites in Australia?
While spiders like the funnel-web can be dangerous, the actual risk of dying from a bite is extremely low. However, it’s still wise to be cautious, especially in rural or bushland areas. Learn basic first aid and seek help promptly if bitten.
What should I do if bitten by a spider?
Follow these first aid steps:
- Stay calm and limit movement.
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage (for funnel-web).
- Keep the affected limb still and elevated.
- Call 000 or seek medical attention immediately.
- Avoid cutting the bite or applying ice unless advised.