AUSTRALIAN FUNNEL-WEB SPIDERS

Identifying marks

Shiny and black with white leg joints. Brown after shedding skin. Large fangs and finger-like spinnerets at end of abdomen. Several of the 40 species are potentially dangerous to humans. The Sydney funnel-web, which has the most powerful venom, rears up and shows its fangs if threatened. It builds a white silk web in damp ground under bricks or timber. 10–50mm long (Sydney funnel-web 15–35mm). Emergency measures

Call 000. Quickly wrap wound firmly (not tightly) with pressure immobilisation bandage or what you have, wrapping entire limb. Splint limb and apply a second bandage to reduce movement. Keep patient still and calm. Lingering effects

Extreme pain over large area in seconds; usually visible puncture wounds and bleeding. Possible rashes, nausea, abdominal pain, tingling sensations, breathing difficulty, sweating, coughing and extreme salivation.

Action needed?

Chemical controls often do not kill them. Check shoes, clothes, bedding and swimming pools. Install draught excluders on external doors. Be careful lifting rocks, bricks or logs as they may use these as cover.