Are Redback Spiders Increasing In Sydney?

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Are Redback Spiders Increasing In Sydney?

Are Redback Spiders Increasing In Sydney?

Have you found a redback spider?

Is there a current increase in redback spider activity in Sydney?

I found a redback spider, what should I do?

Do you want to know more about redback spiders?

 

The redback spider can be found across all parts of Australia and will live anywhere there is adequate food, a sheltered area for its web and is warm enough for breeding.  They are especially common in disturbed and urban areas. The redback spider is easily recognised by its black body with a prominent red hourglass shape on its abdomen.

Redback spiders are one of the most dangerous species of spiders in Australia!

Sydney’s Best Pest Control has received an increase in redback spider sightings this year. It is very early in the season and redbacks appear to have awoken early this year, possibly due to the increase in heat and rain fall this year.

Sydney’s Best Pest Control advise all of their customers to be aware that there are redbacks around!

What Does The Redback Spider Look Like?

  • The female is about 1cm in length
  • The male can range from 3-4mm in length
  • The female red-back is black (sometimes brown) with a distinctive red or orange marking on its back
  • Markings may be broken into spots in front
  • White lines may be visible
  • The female can grow up to 15mm long.
  • Males are very small and usually only grow up to 5mm long
  • The male has more complex markings than those of the female
  • White and yellow markings May also be seen on the male

Where Can The Redback Spider Be Found?

  • Can be found in logs or under rocks
  • They tend to reside in dark, dry areas.
  • They can also be seen in roof eaves floorboards, toilets, shelves, flower pots, garages or sheds
  • Their web is a triangle shape of dry silk
  • Trap lines are sticky which assist in catching prey
  • Redback spiders are carnivorous eating almost any small insects that are caught in their webs.
  • They are known to also eat skinks and even juvenile mice, snakes and frogs
  • The redback spider rarely leaves its web

What Is The Lifecycle Of The Redback?

  • Female maturity happens between 2-3 months
  • She can lay 3-8 egg sacs between September and May
  • Each sac can contain up to 300 eggs
  • The female can lay up to 5000 eggs!
  • The eggs hatch within 13-15 days
  • Most of the hatchlings do not survive because they are eaten by their siblings
  • prone to wasp parasitism
  • Females may live for two to three years
  • Males only live for about six or seven months
  • The females consumes the male after eating
  • The male makes his consumption easier by rolling over and laying in front of her mouth
  • This process is known as sexual cannibalism

Does The Redback Spider Bite?

  • Redback bites occur frequently
  • Bites are common during the summer months
  • Only the female bite is dangerous
  • Their bites are fatal
  • Symptoms of a redback spider bite include sweating, local swelling, muscular weakness, nausea and vomiting

What Do I Do If I Have Been Bitten By A Redback Spider?

  • Do not apply pressure bandage
  • Apply ice pack
  • Seek urgent medical assistance
  • Collect spider for identification
  • Antivenom is available