There are many insects in nature that can cause discomfort and pain in their victims, but there are others that can cause a great deal more damage and in some cases they can be life threatening if the bite is not treated immediately. 

It can be very helpful to understand the types of insects that live in various regions across the globe as well as where many people have built summer houses to spend time on holiday. A good understanding of the type of insect bites that may be experienced while spending time in the woods can mean the difference between life and death.

The Sydney Funnel Web

The Sydney Funnel Web, or Atrax Robustus is one of the most deadly spiders in the world. It primarily lives in the area around Sydney, Australia and it is not only deadly, but very aggressive as well. This spider will attack if it is provoked and has been known to inhabit garages and even swimming pools where they can be immersed for up to twenty four hours. This makes the Sydney Funnel Web a particular problem for the region in which it lives.

This spider has venom that can be lethal within forty minutes making it a very dangerous spider. There is an antivenin available and it has eliminated almost all fatalities from this spider. It is recommended that the people stay away from the spider if it is encountered and treatment be sought immediately if there is a bite. Symptoms of the bite of a Sydney Funnel Web include twitching of the muscles, sweating profusely, an increase in saliva, extremely rapid heartbeat, dangerously high blood pressure and the victim may begin vomiting. The victim must be brought immediately to a facility where antivenin can be given. The bite must be given pressure and immobilized without removing the bandages too soon. Blood pressure medication as well as muscle relaxants may be given in addition to the antivenin.

Red Back Spider

The Red Back Spider, or Latrodectus Hasselti, is native to Australia and looks a great deal like a Black Widow spider. This female spider is easy to spot with the black body and bright red stripe on her abdomen. The Red back spider performs cannibalism during the mating process which is very unusual in the animal kingdom. 

These spiders are found in areas where humans inhabit; they are not uncommon in urban areas all over Australia. These spiders are more likely to be found in warmer parts of the country than in the colder climates. 

The female Red back spider is responsible for life threatening bites. The male of the species is too small and cannot deliver the same bite with their weaker fangs. The spider does not tend to be aggressive and in many cases it will move away from you before it will bite you. However, if the egg sacs are disturbed or threatened they will attack. 

If bitten by a Red back spider, try to bring along the spider with you to the hospital so that you can obtain the correct antivenin. The bite will feel like a normal insect sting, but very quickly the pain will spread to other areas of the body. The limb that is bitten may begin to sweat separate from the rest of the body. The muscles will become weak and there will be paralysis of the limb as well. Some patients experience tremors and coordination loss. If symptoms are allowed to progress, the patient will experience nausea, irregular heartbeat, vomiting and dizziness. The effects of the bite of a Red back spider will take hours to develop, but medical attention should be sought immediately.

Icepacks can be used to minimize the pain from the bite. Antivenin is available for administration by medical professionals.

White Tailed Spider

The White Tailed spider , or lampona cylindrata, is a hunter spider that seeks out their prey instead of trapping it in a web. These spiders have been known to bite humans and there can be some resulting nausea and vomiting after a bite from a White tailed spider. The area of the bite will have pain and there may also be some resulting itchiness from the bite. The bites occur in humans mostly when the wandering spider is hidden in clothing or towels. First aid for the White Tailed spider bite includes normal wound care and cleaning the bite with disinfectant. If the patient develops further symptoms or blisters from the bite, medical attention should be sought.

These spiders are found all over Australia and are very common in homes.

Black Widow Spider

The Black Widow spider is commonly thought of as the most dangerous spider in the world. However, while all widow spiders are venomous, the Black Widow actually only injects a small amount of venom into a victim and will rarely attack unless it is in contact with the victim’s skin. They are often found in clothing or the victim rolls over onto the spider and elicits a bite. 

Anyone bitten by a Black Widow should seek medical attention immediately. If it is possible to bring the spider for identification it will help medical personnel determine the right type of antivenin to administer. The venom of a Black Widow is fifteen times as toxic as that of a rattlesnake. 

Treatment for a Black Widow spider bite should include cleaning and disinfecting the wound. Most spiders will not inject a lethal dose of venom into victims. Symptoms of a Black Widow spider bite can include abdominal pain and cramps, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, chest pain, weakness or paralysis, muscle cramps, eye tearing, high blood pressure, headache and respiratory difficulty. Seek medical attention immediately if the patient is experiencing severe symptoms. Keep the arm or limb elevated and use an antibiotic cream or spray to prevent infection of the wound.

Hobo Spider

The Hobo spider is a member of the funnel web family of spiders. These spiders are considered to have a medical impact on humans and should be considered dangerous if they are encountered. The Hobo spider is considered an aggressive spider, but it will usually not initiate contact with humans. The spider will not bite unless it is put in contact with skin when it is being crushed. The spider may not actually inject venom as well. When venom is injected by the spider it may cause symptoms in humans including, headaches, vision disturbances and a feeling of malaise. These symptoms are difficult to attribute to the spider, however, because of a lack of proper identification by victims.

Treatment for a bite from a Hobo spider should include cleaning and disinfecting the wound. This may be all that is necessary for a Hobo spider bite.

Australian Paralysis Tick

The Australian Paralysis Tick is the only tick that causes a reaction in humans that is not a tick borne disease but is actually a result of venom from the tick. The toxin is delivered into the bloodstream from the saliva of the tick during its feeding. The paralysis can begin in the legs and result in respiratory failure and death. When the tick is removed from the victim, the symptoms usually begin to disappear very quickly. The difficulty, however, is discovering the tick before paralysis and death are the result. 

The symptoms will begin within two and seven days and will start with weakness in the legs that will eventually lead to paralysis. It is important that a proper diagnosis be made and the tick be removed to stop the progression of symptoms.

Other Harmful Insects

These are some of the deadliest insects in the world, but even ants, bees and wasps can be dangerous if they are in large enough numbers or the victim has an allergic reaction. Those who are allergic to bees should make sure that they carry the proper medication and that companions are aware of the condition. 

Army Ants are one type of ant that has the capacity to dissolve a cow in a matter of hours. These amazing ants are found in Central and South American forests.