How Will I Survive All the Deadly Snakes and Spiders in Rural Australia?

First of all, calm down, if you’re fretting about the venomous snakes and poisonous spiders in Australia, then I’m guessing you haven’t been to Australia before. You certainly don’t have to be Bear Grylls to survive a couple years Down Under, let alone doing 3 months farm work in the rural areas.

Here’s some facts and figures to keep in mind; firstly, deaths from spider bites in Australia are extremely rare thanks to antivenom, and realistically the chances of that being you are so unbelievably insignificant it’s not worth worrying about. The snakes however, largely thanks to the super deadly Brown snake, are slightly more reason for concern. There were 35 recorded deaths between 2000 and 2016, 23 of which were because of the Brown snake. In the grand scheme of things that’s very little, the deadliest animal in Australia is actually a horse causing on average 8 deaths per year!

You’re more likely to be killed in the taxi from the airport than from the deadly snakes and spiders once you get to Australia.

Saying this, there is no denying the fact that these dangerous animals exist in Australia so there are a few strategies whilst farming to best protect yourself. If you are out in the fields picking fruit or working the vines, then it is recommended to cover yourself up, long sleeves, light trousers and gloves are the best way to protect yourself from any unexpected creepy crawlies in the bushes. This also does wonders for protecting you from the sun, which in the height of summer is just as dangerous!

You probably won’t come across many snakes; in 18 months in Australia, through farming and travelling the east coast I have seen a total of three snakes. One wasn’t venomous, another was a baby snake it seemed (1ft long), and the other admittedly was venomous, but realistically I was in no danger as I saw it well in advance and there were capable local hands close by to deal with it! The snake didn’t lay an eye on me and decide to go after me either, they are almost certainly trying to mind their own business, keep a safe distance and you’re in no danger!

The best advice to avoid the snakes, don’t go looking for them and watch where you’re walking particularly in rural areas. Typically, in areas where snakes/spiders are known to be, there is lots of signage with pictures and tips of how to remain safe. This way you should make it through your time farming without too many worries!