Go to Section: Dealing with Nature whilst Camping | Bears | Crocodiles | Snakes | Dangerous spiders | Dangerous plants
Spider and Insects
Spiders
Spiders are another pest to watch out for when camping and Australia is home to two of the world's most venomous, the Funnel Web and the Red Back
- Many spiders are nocturnal so take care at night
- Check clothing, shoes, gloves and anywhere spiders can crawl into if left on the floor
- Always keep your tent zipped up, especially at night
- Check bedding and sleeping bags before getting in
- Take care when collecting wood, wood piles can be favoured domain for spiders
In the event of a spider bite
- Try to kill the insect for ID purpose
- Keep victim calm, reassured and still
- Wrap a light bandage above and below the wound
- Remove any jewellery or tight fitting clothing
- Immobilize/splint the bitten area and keep it at heart level [gravity-neutral] if possible. Too high causes venom to travel to the heart, too low causes more swelling
- Do not drink alcohol, or take any medicine or food
- Take victim to medical facilities urgently. Inform them in advance of the spider's identity if possible
Mosquitoes and other Pests
You will always encounter some of nature's pests wherever or whenever you are camping. From flies to mosquitoes there will always be something crawling or flying around, you wouldn't be outdoors if there wasn't.
- Ensure you tent or camper has adequate fly netting, especially in hotter climates when you may want to have the windows open
- Always keep doors and windows zipped up or closed when away
- When outside at night cover up suitably so as to protect against mosquitoes
- Wear mosquito repellent where necessary
- Lighting coils or candles outside can help keep the mosquitoes away
- Use netting over your bed if you are sleeping outdoors
- Don't camp near stagnant water
- Try to minimise the use of scented products