Funnel-Web spiders
Funnel-web spiders have highly toxic and fast acting venom. They burrow in moist, cool, sheltered places — under rocks, in and under rotting logs, crevices, rot and borer holes in rough-barked trees. In gardens, they and are rarely found in more open situations like lawns. Gardeners and people digging in soil may encounter funnel-webs in burrows at any time of the year.
Prevention
- Wear shoes, long trousers and thick gloves when gardening.
- Avoid walking outside with bare feet, especially at night.
- Learn to identify different spiders.
Symptoms
- Pain.
- Numbness of the mouth.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal pain.
- Sweating.
- Salivation.
Treatment
- Apply an ice pack to the bitten area to relieve pain.
- Do not apply a pressure bandage as the venom moves slowly and pressure worsens pain.
- Seek medical attention.