Around Australia, it’s the season to beware of venomous creatures. Australians, especially Queenslanders, are warned to be wary of snakes and spiders. After years of drought keeping spiders at bay, the recent rain is expected to produce more spiders than we’re used to – with redbacks posing a particular threat, creeping into our homes and backyard areas.

So what do you need to know?

Redback spiders don’t like water, so they tend to hide where it’s dry (and sunny). Tool sheds, cars, playground equipment and rooves are prefect targets. Only the females bite, and the venom from a redback can be fatal, but it depends on how much venom you receive and what condition of health you are currently in.

If you are in good health and receive a redback bite, there is no need to panic. Doctors will advise you to wait to see if signs of a significant allergic reaction set in.  There haven’t been any deaths since the 1960s, when the anti-venom pill was first released.

Read more about common spiders to be careful of this season at news.com.au.