But thankfully, they’re unlikely to cause death, due to the widespread availability of an anti-venom.
The dangers of redback spiders in Australia
As a child growing up in Brisbane, Australia, I can remember being able to locate a redback spider at will. These eight-legged urban dwellers were seemingly everywhere – especially under our outdoor furniture, where they would craftily spin a web to catch their prey, often an unlucky skink or insect. The females were particularly easy to spot, with a black body and a bright red (or sometimes orange) stripe down their back, giving them their name. As kids, we were rightfully wary of them – these little critters pack a punch with their venom and have a reputation that can send shivers down anyone’s spine. I’ve always been fascinated by these infamous arachnids. And I still shake out my outdoor shoes before putting them on… just in case.
Meet the Redback Spider
The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is a member of the widow spider family. Females are easily recognizable (pictured). Males, on the other hand, are smaller and less noticeable, often brown with white markings.
Redbacks are found across Australia, thriving in urban areas, rural locations, and even in the outback. Wherever people are, they are. They’re particularly fond of hiding in sheltered, dry places such as garden sheds, mailboxes, outdoor furniture, and under rocks. Essentially, anywhere that’s dark and cosy can become a redback’s home.
How deadly is a redback spider’s venom?
The venom of the redback spider is a potent neurotoxin. When a redback bites, it injects venom that affects the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as severe pain, sweating, muscle weakness, nausea, and vomiting. In some cases, the bite can cause more severe reactions.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, between 1st July 2002 and 30th June 2005, most cases of hospitalised spider bites were attributed to redback spiders.
The good news is that while the bite is certainly unpleasant, it’s rarely fatal. Since the introduction of antivenom in 1956, fatalities from redback bites have become extremely rare. However, that doesn’t mean the bite is something to take lightly and you should seek medical attention if bitten. Interestingly, the redback antivenom was the very first antivenom developed in Australia.
Likelihood of being bitten by a redback spider
While redbacks are common, the likelihood of being bitten is relatively low. These spiders are not aggressive and typically only bite in self-defence when disturbed. Most bites occur during the warmer months when spiders are more active, and humans are more likely to be working or playing outside.
Statistics show that about 2,000 people are bitten by redback spiders each year in Australia. But thanks to the availability of antivenom, deaths are exceptionally rare. While their venom can cause significant pain and discomfort, understanding their habits and taking preventive measures can help ensure that encounters with these spiders remain a minor inconvenience rather than a serious threat.
A real-life case study
In 2016, Jayden Burleigh, a 22-year-old man from Sydney, passed away following a redback spider bite. Jayden was bitten while walking along the New South Wales coast. Despite receiving treatment at Nambour Hospital in Queensland for a severe infection caused by the bite, it is believed he succumbed to complications, two days after leaving hospital. His death is the first fatality linked to a redback spider bite since the introduction of antivenom in the 1950s. In this case, it seems to have been the secondary infection following spider envenomation that tragically cost him his life.
Where are redback spiders located in Australia?
Redback spiders are highly adaptable and can be found across Australia, including Tasmania. They favour dry, sheltered locations close to human habitation. Redbacks, although endemic to Australia, have now cropped up in a number of other countries, such as New Zealand and Japan. Common hiding spots for redbacks include:
- Garden sheds
- Under rocks and logs
- Inside outdoor furniture
- In shoes left outside
- Underneath toilets and mailboxes
Essentially, anywhere that offers a dark, protected space can serve as a redback’s home.
How to avoid a redback spider bite
While encountering a redback spider can be unnerving, there are simple steps you can take to minimise the risk of being bitten:
- Wear Gloves: Always wear gloves when gardening or reaching into dark, sheltered places.
- Check Shoes and Clothes: Shake out shoes, clothes, and towels that have been left outside before using them.
- Clean Up: Regularly clean and declutter areas where spiders are likely to hide, such as sheds, garages, and outdoor furniture.
- Seal Entry Points: Seal cracks and crevices around your home to prevent spiders from entering.
Crazy interesting facts about redback spiders
Redbacks are both fascinating and formidable. Take their mating rituals for example – male redback spiders often perform a somersault to place themselves in a position to be eaten by the female after mating. This behaviour is thought to increase the chances of successful fertilisation. Not only that, redbacks can survive without food for up to 100 days.
Redbacks in Aussie folklore
In 1972, Australian Country Singer Slim Newton released Redback on the Toilet Seat, which became a big hit. As a child, I certainly knew all the words and delighted in singing about someone being bitten on the bum by a spider! In the days of outdoor plumbing, redback spider bites while on the dunny were undoubtedly more common…
“There was a redback on the toilet seat,
When I was there last night.
I didn’t see him in the dark,
But boy, I felt his bite.”
Enjoy the full song here!