Spiders

I did a little looking and was happy to find that there is only one dangerous spider in Victoria (Melbourne's state). The red-back spider's bite is highly venomous. It causes pain around the bite site along with other symptoms that may include sweating, muscular weakness, loss of co-ordination and in severe cases nausea, vomiting, convulsions, etc. Treatment is often simple and involves an ice pack being applied to the bite site. Anti-venom is available, but is not necessary in most cases and is effective up to ten days after bite occurs.

There are about 22 other spiders common to Victoria. Some cause a painful bite with swelling or itching at the bite site.