Australia has some very dangerous bugs. They include deadly
spiders, stinging ants, wasps and bees. Fortunately the chances
of being bitten or stung by a venomous bug are incredibly slim,
and even then, deaths are rare. Many Australian spiders have a
worse reputation than they deserve. Australia has 2,500
described species of spider and there are estimated to be
another 7,500 species yet to be described. Only two or three of
these 10,000 or so species are considered to be dangerous to
humans. These include the Sydney Funnel-Web spider and the Red-
back spider. Anti-venom is available for both species. Most
spider venoms will produce little or no reaction in humans,
although in some people, irritation or swelling may result.
Sometimes the bacteria in a spider’s mouth may cause an allergic
reaction. There is only one bee in Australia to be wary of, and
that is the introduced European Honeybee. Bees will usually only
attack in defence of the hive, or when they are grasped or
trodden on. The sting of a Honeybee ca