A few days of rainfall following a short spout of hot weather will create the perfect conditions on the Central Coast for funnel-web spiders to emerge from their burrows in search of a mate.
The Australian Reptile Park has urged Coasties to be on the lookout for the deadly arachnids around their houses and gardens.
Operations Manager Billy Collett said the Sydney funnel-web prefers to make its home in sheltered, shady spots, which are always cool and humid.
The natural habitats are rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests; however, the shaded areas of well-vegetated private gardens are also readily colonised.
“When found inside homes, funnel-web spiders prefer cool, damp places like the laundry, garage or in shoes left out on the ground,” Collett said.
“It is 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 for funnel-web spiders.
“Pool filters should also be checked and cleaned regularly.”
Responsible adults are encouraged to catch wandering funnel-web spiders safely and take them to the Park at Somersby or one of the participating drop off locations to contribute to the lifesaving antivenom program.
The Australian Reptile Park is the industry leader in funnel-web spiders as it is the sole supplier of funnel-web spider venom to make into lifesaving antivenom.
The program has saved countless Australian lives since the program’s inception in the early 1980s – there has not been a single death since the introduction of the program.
Collett said it was important for Australians to know the correct first aid and how to safely catch the spiders.
“We rely on public donations of funnel-web spiders to build up our milking individuals,” he said.
If you suspect you have been bitten by a funnel-web, stay as calm as possible, apply the correct first aid with a pressure immobilisation bandage and get to hospital as fast as you possibly can.
Source:
Media release, Jan 20
Australian Reptile Park