Australian Reptile Park warn NSW residents about funnel-web spider plague due to floods

Wild wet weather has prompted an urgent warning about deadly yard-dwelling funnel-web spiders as they look to escape to dry ground.

The Australian Reptile Park has issued an urgent warning about an incoming “plague” of deadly funnel-web spiders following recent wet weather.

Devastating floods have hit many areas around Australia, washing away homes during torrential rain over the past week.

But now with rain easing and warmer, humid weather on the way, the park is urging people to be on the lookout for the venomous and deadly Sydney funnel-webs.

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The Australian Reptile Park is warning about an incoming ‘plague’ of funnel-web spiders. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

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The spiders are feared for their intimidating size and fast-acting, highly toxic venom, though no one has died from a funnel-web bite since antivenene was introduced in 1981.

Australian Reptile Park director Tim Faulkner has warned that residents in the Greater Sydney region could come across the spiders in the coming days, and said it would be “completely different” to the normal increase in activity among the spiders during humid weather brought on by warm days following rain.

“Not only are we seeing increased movement due to humidity, but we’re already seeing a plague of ground-dwelling spiders searching for higher ground, out of the floodwaters,” Mr Faulkner said.

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A spine-tingling picture of a fence covered in baby spiders escaping to higher ground. Picture: Facebook/Melanie Williams/Australian Reptile Park

The wet weather will force many of the spiders out as they look for dry areas. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

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The spiders typically live in damp, wooded areas near a water source, but the floods have forced many to go on the move.

“They have been forced out of their habitat and are seeking refuge in dryer areas,” Mr Faulkner said.

“Unfortunately, this could mean that they’ll be finding their way into residential homes very shortly.”

Spiders can be found hiding around your home and yard. Picture: Australian Reptile Park

If you’re unlucky enough to get bitten by a funnel-web Mr Faulkner said the most important think to do is remain as calm as possible, place a pressure immobilisation bandage on the bite and get to hospital for a dose of lifesaving antivenene.

That antivenene is made from the venom of spiders taken at the Australian Reptile Park, and the park has another request if you come across the spiders.

The park has encouraged “responsible adults” who come across any wandering Sydney funnel-web spiders to catch the arachnids and deliver them to the park or a drop-off location so they can contribute to the production of antivenene.

The Australian Reptile Park is the sole supplier of venom to be turned into antivenene and no one has died since the program started.

Syndey funnel-web spiders are found on the east coast from Newcastle to Wollongong and around Sydney. Picture: Australian Reptile Park