White tailed spiders have medium-sized bodies, with adults typically ranging between 10 to 20 mm long. They usually have a grey or brown colour, and their tail has a noticeable white tip. Their body is shaped like a cigar, and their legs are striped.
About White Tailed Spiders
White tailed spiders, with a distinctive white tip on their tail, are venomous spiders found in Australia and New Zealand. They are typically grey or brown in colour and active at night when they hunt other spiders, such as black house and redback spiders. While their bites can cause discomfort, including pain, swelling, and itching, severe reactions are rare and do not typically require antivenom treatment. However, nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain may occur in rare cases.
White tailed spiders are nocturnal hunters that hide in dark and humid daytime places. They usually come out at night to hunt for other spiders to feed on. Familiar hiding places for white-tailed spiders include bedding, clothing, and towels left on the floor, dark corners and crevices of buildings, piles of firewood, lumber, and debris, shoes and other footwear left on the ground, and outdoor areas such as gardens where they hide among leaf litter, rocks, and logs.
White Tailed Spiders – Are They Venomous or Not?
White-tailed spiders possess venom and can inflict bites that cause pain, swelling, and itchiness. Some individuals may experience nausea, vomiting, and muscle pain, but severe reactions are not frequent, and antivenom treatment is not typically necessary. However, cleaning the bite area thoroughly is crucial if you suspect being bitten by a white-tailed spider, and if symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.
Reacting to a White Tailed Spider Bite
When a white-tailed spider bite is suspected, seeking medical attention immediately is crucial to reduce the risk of serious complications. First, capture the spider and bring it to a doctor or medical professional for identification. This can help them better understand the spider and the potential severity of the bite.
After a physical examination and confirmation that a white tailed spider bite has occurred, the doctor may prescribe a course of treatment. They may also ask questions about the incident to understand the bite’s severity better.
Typically, treatment for a white tailed spider bite involves using an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate pain and swelling. In severe cases, a physician may prescribe oral antibiotics to prevent the onset of infection.
Contact Us Today
At Tom’s Pest Control, we specialise in eliminating white-tailed spiders from any property. Our skilled technicians are proficient at identifying spider species and proposing the most efficient method for their eradication. We use various spider control methods, such as physical removal, insecticides, baits, and traps, to guarantee the complete elimination of all white tailed spiders from your premises. Additionally, we conduct property inspections and provide recommendations on preventing future infestations.
Our team of experienced technicians and high-quality service guarantees the complete removal of white-tailed spiders from your property in no time. So, contact our experts today and say goodbye to spider infestations for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is a White-Tailed Spider?
The white-tailed spider, found in Australia, is recognisable by its white tail-like markings at the end of the abdomen. These spiders are predators and feed on /other spiders, such as black house spiders and daddy-long-legs. In some people, their venom can cause skin irritation and ulceration.
How Dangerous Is a White-Tailed Spider?
White-tailed spiders are not highly dangerous to humans, although their venom is considered venomous. While their bite can cause local skin irritation, pain, and, in rare cases, ulceration, severe symptoms like nausea, muscle pain, and vomiting are not common and typically resolve without medical intervention. However, seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms after being bitten by a white-tailed spider.
Where Do White-Tailed Spiders Live?
White-tailed spiders are frequently found in residential areas and gardens. They tend to favour warm and protected environments and can often be found in clothes, bedding, and shoes left on the ground. Additionally, white-tailed spiders seek shelter in outdoor crevices and tree bark.