Spike in funnel-web spider numbers as wet, humid weather creates perfect conditions

| 23.11,22. 01:29 PM |

Spike in funnel-web spider numbers as wet, humid weather creates perfect conditions

A spike is funnel-web numbers are predicted as wet and humid weather continues. (Australian Reptile Park)

Wet and humid weather has created the perfect conditions for the deadly funnel-web spider, with Sydney and surrounds warned to brace for a spike in arachnid numbers.

The warning has been issued by the Australian Reptile Park as breeding season arrives.

It comes less than a week after experts warned New South Wales residents of an explosion in "double-sized" mosquitoes, also linked to wet weather.

Head of Reptiles and Spiders at the Australian Reptile Park, Jake Meney, said the public needs to remain vigilant as the highly venomous spiders leave their burrows in search of a mate.

"Funnel-web spider season is upon us. All the rain this year has brought about humid conditions where funnel-web spiders thrive," he said, outlining the places the spiders are typically found in homes.

"Sydney funnel-web spiders prefer cool, damp places like the laundry, garage or in shoes left out on the ground.

"It's best to ensure you are not leaving washing and clothing on the floors, if you leave your shoes outside – make sure you give them a tap on the ground before putting your foot in blindly as shoes can be the perfect little burrow.

"Pool filters should also be checked and cleaned regularly."

Sydney Funnel-web spiders prefer cool, damp places, with shoes one of the places they can be found. — Sydney funnel-web spiders prefer cool, damp places, with shoes one of the places they can be found. (Australian Reptile Park)

Meney urged "responsible adults" to catch wandering Sydney funnel-web spiders safely, as donations are critical to the lifesaving antivenom program.

"It's important that Australians are across the correct first aid and know how to safely catch the spiders," he said.

"(That way) we can continue to extract their venom and save lives. We rely on public donations of funnel-web spiders to build up our milking individuals."

If bitten by a funnel-web, an individual should apply a pressure immobilisation bandage and get to hospital as fast as possible.

There have been 13 deaths recorded from male Sydney funnel-webs, but up to 30 to 40 people are bitten each year, the Australian Museum said.

There has not been a single death since the introduction of the antivenom program in the early 1980s.

Farah News /9News

(Votes: 0)

Facebook

Twitter

Google+

Digg

Other News

NSW floods take toll on Far West farmers and residents Dozens of flood warnings remain across NSW as Moulamein residents are cut off ATO's director ID system deadline looms, with more than 1 million people facing $13,000 fines 'Cheaper' childcare laws pass through Parliament Major fuel stop between Queensland and NT closes indefinitely after serious kitchen fire The Smith Family says details of around 80,000 donors may have been exposed in hacking attack RBA governor Philip Lowe warns Australians to brace for higher inflation, lower growth Man caught car surfing through Brisbane's nightclub district 'deeply sorry' Deadly Victoria police arrest shooting preventable, coroner finds Local governments in Sydney call for cash to fix potholes Evacuation orders issued in Deniliquin and Moulamein as record flood peak reached at Condobolin Australia Post restarts international sea mail ahead of Christmas Hundreds call for help as wild winds smash south-east Australia Melbourne teenager charged after allegedly stabbing boy Eleven children, one adult, taken to hospital after explosion at Sydney primary school Woman dies after alleged stabbing at Perth hotel Man dies from stab wound at Sydney hospital NSW floods: Euabalong evacuation routes cut, Forbes flood level recedes More stolen Medibank data released, containing information about mental health and chronic conditions Out-of-pocket client claims he caught tradie having sex on the job Cyclist dies after being hit by van in Melbourne Storms to hit flood-ravaged NSW central west as emergency flood warnings remain in place Body found in search for missing man in flood-hit NSW town NSW Premier agrees to five days free rail travel next week to stave off industrial action NSW Central West floods from above: Aerial photographs highlight force of the floodwaters Email invoice scam targets Victorian farmers, with 'insane' amounts of money lost to criminals Teen dies in hospital days after horror crash in Sydney's north Woman killed, man injured after tree falls on car north-west of Melbourne Third person feared missing in floodwaters in Eugowra Flood waters thought to have peaked at Forbes, hundreds of Eugowra homes left damaged