Huntsman Spider Bite: What To Expect And How To Respond?
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Huntsman spider bites are dangerous due to their potential to cause a serious allergic reaction. Thankfully, huntsman spider bites are rare, and complications from a bite are even rarer.
Huntsman spiders, members of the family Sparassidae, are fascinating creatures often misunderstood due to their large size and startling movements. They are common in many parts of the world, including Australia, and understanding their behaviour and knowing how to respond to a huntsman spider bite is important for eliminating fear and avoiding any negative outcomes. This article delves into various aspects of huntsman spiders, including their appearence, behaviour, habitat, and the first aid measures for a huntsman spider bite.
Identifying Huntsman Spiders
Huntsman Spider Appearance
The huntsman spider is one of the larger spider species. Its body is flat and covered in fine hairs, and its colouration often varies from brown to grey, sometimes with banded legs or a mottled pattern on its body. Its legs are long and spindly, adapted for swift movement, and are often held in a crab-like stance.
Huntsman Spider Habitats
Huntsman spiders thrive in a diverse range of habitats across Australia, including both urban and rural environments. They favour the outdoors where they commonly dark places such as under trees, rocks, logs, and leaf litter. However, they may venture indoors to escape extreme temperatures
Huntsman Spider Behaviour
Huntsman spiders, unlike web-building spiders, actively pursue their prey. They are nocturnal, preferring to hunt prey such as insects and other small creatures at night. They are not aggressive towards humans and will not bite unless provoked, and even then only as a last resort. They’re more likely to flee than to attack, however, with their swift movements which appear like a jump, many people mistake a fleeing huntsman for one that’s about to bite.
How Bad is a Huntsman Spider Bite?
Outside of the potential for a severe allergic reaction, huntsman spider bite venom is not considered dangerous to humans. At worst, most people only experience localised pain, redness, and swelling.
An allergic reaction to a huntsman spider bite is relatively rare but can occur in some people. Symptoms begin as normal with pain, redness, and swelling, but can escalate to include itching, blisters, nausea, headache, or dizziness, and difficulty breathing. It is vital to monitor the progress of a huntsman spider bite and to seek immediate medical help if symptoms worsen or do not alleviate within a few hours.
Preventing a Huntsman Spider Bite
While not overly dangerous, it’s still wise to avoid getting bitten in the first place. When in an outdoors setting, don’t put your hands in any dark places where huntsman spiders might be lurking without first checking or putting on gloves.
To keep huntsman spiders from getting indoors, seal any visible cracks or gaps in walls, doors, and windows. Install and maintain screens on windows and doors. Both chemical and natural scent-based deterrents such as eucalyptus, peppermint, and tea tree have also proven effective.
Ultimately, you may still encounter a huntsman spider despite your best efforts. Staying calm and composed is key for avoiding an attack, and thus, a bite. Keep a safe distance from the spider, don’t approach it, and don’t make any sudden movements.
First Aid for a Huntsman Spider Bite
Treating a huntsman spider bite requires prompt and calm action. While generally not dangerous, they can still be painful and easily managed with basic first aid.
To begin, clean the bite area with soap and water to prevent infection. Applying an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected area will help reduce swelling and numb the pain. Over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, can be taken to alleviate discomfort.
Monitor for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, or a rapid heartbeat. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately. If the person bitten is aware of a huntsman spider allergy and carries an auto-injector, it should be administered by someone trained in its proper use.
Conclusion
Understanding and being prepared for spider bites and other emergencies is essential for a safer Australian community. Skills Training College offers comprehensive first aid training courses, equipping participants with the knowledge and skills needed to respond effectively to a wide range of medical incidents, including spider bites. Our nationally recognised programs cover essential topics such as bite first aid, recognising severe allergic reactions, and administering appropriate care.
Huntsman spiders, while large and sometimes intimidating, are generally harmless to humans. Understanding their behaviour and knowing how to respond to their bites can alleviate much of the fear and misinformation surrounding these fascinating creatures. By taking preventive measures and being prepared with first aid knowledge, you can coexist peacefully with huntsman and other spiders in Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Most Dangerous Spider in Australia?
The Sydney funnel-web spider holds the title of the most dangerous spider in Australia. Found predominantly in New South Wales, it inhabits both forested and urban areas, often burrowing in humid, sheltered locations.Its venom is potentially deadly. However, since the introduction of an effective antivenom in 1981, there have been no recorded fatalities from Sydney funnel-web spider bites.
What is the Life Span of a Huntsman Spider?
Huntsman spiders typically have a lifespan of about two years or more. This duration can vary slightly depending on environmental conditions.
What is the Most Common Spider in Australia?
The most common spider in Australia is the common house spider. Characterised by its small to medium size and typically brown or grey colour, the common house spider is frequently found in homes and buildings across the country.
