Key Takeaways – Redback vs Black Widow Spiders
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Redback spider identification: Female is black with a red stripe and hourglass mark; males are smaller, grey or brown.
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Habitat and distribution: Common across Australia, especially in urban and rural areas; also found in New Zealand, Europe, and Africa.
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Venom risk: Redback spiders are medically significant, causing severe pain, swelling, and potential respiratory issues.
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Bite frequency in Australia: Around 2,000 redback spider bites reported annually, with peak season from October to April.
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Black widow danger level: Found in warm climates worldwide; venom is up to 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s, affecting the nervous system.
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Black widow bite symptoms: Include pain, swelling, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty breathing.
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First aid for redback spider bites: Apply a cold pack, keep victim calm, and seek urgent medical help.
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First aid for black widow bites: Call 000, apply ice, elevate the bite, clean with soap and water, and manage pain.
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Prevention tips: Wear protective clothing, inspect clothing and shoes, avoid approaching spiders, and maintain clean, clutter-free spaces.
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Spider control: Remove food sources, seal entry points, vacuum hiding places, and use insecticides in problem areas.
While both arachnids, the redback spider and the black widow, are poisonous and need antivenom, there is a common misconception that the redback spider is as deadly as the black widow. While both spiders can cause serious health effects, the black widow is more evil. Let’s take a closer look at these two species of spiders, their respective dangers, and how to provide first aid instructions for anyone who may come into contact with either one and suffer from severe pain.
How to Identify a Redback Spider?
Some miscall it the red bag spider. But this red Australian spider is called the redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti). It is a species of venomous spider indigenous to Australia, which, much like its name suggests, are spiders with red backs. The adult female redback spider is easily recognised by her slender legs, black body with a prominent red stripe on her abdomen and an hourglass-shaped marking on her lower back. Male redback spiders have a much shorter body length than females. They are often grey or brown. Like other spiders, they have two small appendages called the palp, which they use for reproduction. Young ones have white markings on the upper side of the abdomen.
Some spiders look like redbacks. The brown house spider, otherwise known as the cupboard spider, resembles the size and shape of a redback spider. However, the colour is a bit different. Nevertheless, people sometimes confuse the cupboard spider for a redback.
The Australian Museum has studied and collected this variety of redback spiders, making it a great source of spider facts and information. Many have turned to Lyn Forster’s “The behavioural ecology of Latrodectus hasselti” study for insights on the redback spider. For instance, what do redback spiders eat? These studies indicate that their diet consists of other insects and even bigger creatures like lizards, other spiders, and crickets.
Where Are They Usually Seen?
Redback or Western Australian spiders are found throughout Australia, including Adelaide CBD and Sydney. High concentrations are found in both rural and urban areas. This red spider is also found in New Zealand (the L. katipo), Europe, and Africa.
Their habitats include gardens, sheds, garages, and outside toilets, which are particularly common. Males usually do not spin spiderwebs. The female’s web and traplines are built in sheltered locations such as leaf litter, logs, rocks, or crevices. Retreat areas located in the wilderness should take care of these spiders.
These spiders thrive on small lizards and trapdoor spiders for food. The females often participate in prey-stealing and take food from other spider webs. They are also capable of capturing larger animals.
Redback Spiders are Venomous
Due to the potency of its venom, the redback spider is considered to be of medical significance. Bites from these spiders are potentially life-threatening. They can cause significant pain and suffering, respiratory failure, and sometimes death. The venom works directly on a person’s nerves, depleting neurotransmitters in the target. One easy way to eliminate these spiders is by regularly clearing their webs. White-tailed spiders are also known for killing redback spiders.
Cases of Redback Spider Bites in Australia Each Year
Bites usually occur when the spider is disturbed or feels threatened. Around 2,000 cases of redback spider bites are recorded each year. Most of these bites occur in the warmer months, with October to April being the peak period.
Redback Spider Bite Symptoms
Redback spider symptoms can vary depending on the severity of the bite. Signs and symptoms of a spider bite infection include:
Reddening of the skin
This is one of the most common signs of a spider bite infection. The area around the bite will become red and inflamed.
Swelling
Another common sign of a spider bite infection is swelling. The area around the bite will begin to swell and may even blister.
Pain
Many people are bitten by a spider experience pain at the bite site. The pain may range from mild to severe and last a few hours or days.
Crusting
Once the venom from the spider’s bite begins to work its way into the skin, it can cause the skin to crust over. It is a sign that the infection is getting worse and needs treatment.
Fever
A fever can be another sign of a spider bite infection, especially if the bite is on the face or neck. If you have a fever, you must see a doctor immediately.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are two more signs of a spider bite infection. If you experience either of these, seeing a doctor as soon as possible is essential.
Blood Pressure Changes
The venom is also said to increase a person’s blood pressure and a quickened heart rate.
Seizures
In rare cases, spider bites can cause seizures. If you experience a seizure, seek medical attention immediately. Call triple zero (000)
Reaction to the Venom
Sometimes, the venom from a spider bite can cause a severe reaction, even if you’re not allergic to it. Symptoms of a severe reaction include:
- difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- paralysis
If you experience any of these symptoms after being bitten by a redback spider, get medical help immediately. Sometimes, bites from this spider can be fatal if left untreated.
First Aid for The Redback Spider
Despite their small size, redback spiders are venomous, and their bites can be dangerous to humans. Here are the first aid practices for redback spider bites.
- Follow DRSABCD
- Apply a cold pack to the affected area to help reduce swelling.
- Keep the affected person calm and still to prevent the spread of venom.
- Seek medical help immediately.
Adelaide first aid training is available at CPR First Aid (RTO NO 21903), a leading provider of compliant and accredited courses all over Australia.
But are redbacks and black widows the same?
How is the Black Widow Spider Different?
A black widow spider (a common name for different species) is a venomous spider in warm climates worldwide. For instance, the Latrodectus, under the family Theridiidae (which may have a pair of red spots or no marking), is seen as a European spider (the L. tredecimguttatus). It also lives in North America, Texas, Florida, Mexico, Asia, Australia, Africa, and much of South America.
An L. mactans species (southern black widow) was pictured in New Orleans, Louisiana (North American area). Two species of black widow spiders, the western black widow and the northern black widow are also found in Canada. National Geographic’s website contains pictures of these spiders.
Such species have bodies with a red hourglass design; most male spiders have a pair of red and white stripes on the shiny black sides of the abdomen.
The female black widow’s venom is notorious and dangerous to humans. It is known to be 15 times stronger than a rattlesnake’s venom. It contains neurotoxins that negatively affect the nervous system.
Can a black widow kill you? Female black widow spiders are not aggressive; they only bite humans in self-defence, especially when protecting their egg sacs or spiderlings. However, the black widow spider bite can cause serious health problems, so knowing how to handle and treat a bite victim is crucial.
Such species feed on insects by administering digestive enzymes to their bodies. Birds and wasps also hunt them.
Symptoms of a Black Widow Spider Bite
A Black widow spider venom may cause the following signs and symptoms:
- pain at the bite site
- swelling
- redness
- muscle cramps
- nausea
- vomiting
- sweating
- difficulty breathing
Can a black widow spider bite you? Although these bites rarely kill people, medical aid is still required, as a black widow spider bite can make a person sick. Knowing the symptoms of a black widow bite will still prove helpful.
First Aid for a Black Widow Spider
If a black widow spider bites you, call 000 immediately. In the meantime, you can take some first-aid steps to help ease the pain and swelling.
- Apply ice to the area of the bite to help reduce swelling.
- If possible, elevate the area of the bite to help reduce swelling.
- Gently clean the area of the bite with soap and water.
- Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help ease pain and swelling.
Envenomation may be applied.
How to Prevent Spider Bites?
The best way to prevent redback spider bites is to avoid contact with them. If you must work or play in areas where redbacks are present, wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Be sure to inspect your clothing for spiders before putting it on. Inspect your shoes and any other gear you will take into the area.
Keep an eye out for webs, and shake out any clothing or gear sitting where spiders are present. If you see a spider, do not approach or try to kill it. Instead, call a professional to remove it.
How to Get Rid of Redback Spiders?
There are a few things you can do to get rid of redback spiders:
- Remove any food sources they feed on, such as insects or other small animals.
- Keep your home clean and free of clutter where they can hide.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to remove them from their hiding places.
- Seal any cracks or openings in your home that they could use to enter.
- Apply insecticides around the perimeter of your home and in areas where they are commonly found.
In conclusion, one of the unforeseen incidents that could happen in Australia is spider bites. People of all ages should be aware of the toxicity of venom from redback and black widow spider bites. The best practices are avoiding these spider species and calling a professional to eliminate them.
However, if the situation calls for it, training in emergency care can be highly beneficial. Call CPR First Aid for more information about first aid courses at Level 1/174 Gilles St, Adelaide 5000. As promised, we’ll match you with the best certification class tailored to your needs in a convenient first aid training location taught by fully qualified trainers.