Funnel-web spider warning across Central Coast and Sydney
They’re the deadliest spider on earth and are currently out and about and thriving across the Central Coast and Sydney regions.
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Don’t leave shoes outside and double check your washing – there’s a funnel-web spider bonanza happening across the Central Coast and Sydney regions.
The Australian Reptile Park has issued a warning that the recent wet weather, followed by hot days, creates the ideal conditions for the spiders to thrive. They are out and about looking for mates so be on the lookout.
Reptile Park reptiles and spider keeper Jake Meney said the public need to remain vigilant, aware and safe.
“The weekend rain brings humid conditions where funnel-web spiders thrive,” he said.
The funnel-web prefers to make its home in sheltered, shady spots, which are always cool and humid. The shaded areas of private gardens are a prime home for the spiders, which also like to take residence in cool, damp places like the laundry, garage or in shoes left out on the ground.
The Australian Reptile Park is asking for any collected spiders to be brought to the park to contribute to the lifesaving antivenene program.
“It’s important that Australians are across the correct first aid and know how to SAFELY catch the spiders so that we can continue to milk them and save lives,” Mr Meney said.
“We rely on public donations of funnel-web spiders to build up our milking individuals. If you are an adult and feel safe to do so, please catch the funnel webs using a big glass jar and keeping your hands away from the spider, coax the spider into the jar using a long stick and bring it to us at the Australian Reptile Park or one of our drop-off points in Sydney, the Central Coast or Newcastle.
Funnel webs cannot climb up glass or plastic so once you put the lid on tightly, the funnel-web can’t get out. You can help us save Australian lives.”
The Reptile Park’s antivenom program has saved countless Australian lives since the program’s inception in the early 1980’s – there has not been a single death since the introduction of the program.
If a member of the public was to be bitten by a funnel-web spider, it’s important to stay as calm as possible and apply the correct first aid, which is a pressure immobilisation bandage and get to hospital as fast as you possibly can.