Facts About Redback Spiders in Perth

Redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) are one of Australia’s best recognized spiders. Though found throughout the country, these spiders are widespread in urban and rural Western Australia – also including Perth. Redbacks are hardly a common sight in colder parts of the country, but in Perth's heat and dry, they're right at home.

Redback Mature female redbacks are one of the 3 spiders that can bite in a potentially very serious way, along with Sydney Funnel Web and White-Tail Spiders. If you are a Perthite then it’s your lucky day since Funnel Web and White tail aren’t as common in Perth so over here in WA the Redback is our main worry.

How to Identify Redback Spiders

Female redback spiders are hard to miss. They have brown to black abdomens, resembling small peas, with a bright red stripe on the dorsum of their abdomen. Body length in females may attain 12mm. These are probably the more dangerous spiders, because the males are tiny and much less likely to bite a human.

Male redbacks are smaller, at around 3mm, and brown with red and white markings. Males are seldom found, and females are what you'll most likely run across. One mating can enable female redbacks to lay eggs for up to two years. Creamy white eggs are laid into their spherical egg sacs, which are aggressively protected by the female.

Spiderlings hatch out about after fifteen days and can disperse to other areas, usually by wind. Redbacks construct untidy webs, low in your shrubs or plants that have leaves or garden rubbish trapped inside them, so they are easy to identify.

Redback Spider Habitats in Perth

Habitats Redback spiders like quiet, dark places that are not disturbed. Typical hiding places include garden rubbish, grass and cast, old drums, tins, machinery under the stones, sheds and outside toilet and garages. They like to hang around your ankles and do well in stagnant, moist air. Redbacks are most active during the months of spring and summer.

First Aid for Redback Spider Bites

These spiders are normally non-aggressive and will only bite when provoked. Most bites are on the hands, arms, ankles, feet or the head. Deaths are rare, because of the availability of anti-venom, however bites can lead to a great deal of pain which is accompanied by sweating, weakness and nausea; in some cases shock.

Do not apply tight bandages or attempt to incise the wound if bitten. Use cold compresses to relieve pain and see a doctor right away. Perth hospitals and emergency centres have ant-venom which treats redback bites very successfully.

Redback Spider Prevention Tips

To reduce the risk of redback encounters at home, follow these precautions:

• Keep yards clean and remove scrap metal, old tins, or rubbish.

• Maintain cleanliness indoors.

• Wear gloves while gardening.

• Check under outdoor furniture, children’s toys, sandpits, rockeries, BBQs, and shoes.

• Avoid areas that provide shelter from rain, as they attract spiders.

For professional help, Nexus Termite Treatment Belmont offers all pest control services in Belmont and surrounding areas. Protect your home and family from redback spiders today. Call us at (08) 6275 6512 or visit our website: https://nexustermitetreatment.com.au/