Redback Spiders
Redback bites occur frequently. They can cause serious illness and have caused deaths. Because of their small jaws, many bites are ineffective. Common early symptoms are pain, sweating (always including local sweating at the bite site), muscular weakness, nausea and vomiting.
An antivenom is available – no deaths have occurred since its introduction.
Apply an ice pack to the bitten area to relieve the pain. Do not apply a pressure bandage (venom movement is slow and pressure worsens pain). If possible, collect the spider for positive identification. Seek medical attention.
Redback Spider