Sightings of spiders and snakes up thanks to wet weather in NSW

The humidity that comes with warm weather after a downpour is causing a spike appearances from creepy crawlies, including funnel web spiders.

Sightings of spiders and snakes are rapidly on the up thanks to recent rain hitting New South Wales.

The humidity that comes with warm weather after a downpour is causing a spike appearances from creepy crawlies, including funnel web spiders.

Sam Hermann, from The Australian Reptile Park, told 9News that spiders and snakes “love humidity”.

“After rain, on those warmer days, they’re going to be moving around a hell of a lot more,” the reptile keeper explained.

After torrential rain and widespread flooding has devastated eastern New South Wales for the past few weeks, the Australian Reptile Park is issuing a warning to the public regarding funnel web spiders

One woman in Sydney has handed in six funnel webs in the last two months, and they’ve also had a handful of snakes handed in too.

Funnel webs are the most venomous spider in the world, and their venom can kill a child within 15 minutes.

They are only native to Australia’s east coast and the Australian Reptile Park milks them for antivenom.

Mr Hermann said people who encounter funnel webs to remain calm if they spot one of the spiders, and to only approach the creatures if they know how to safely catch them.

Spiders can turn up anywhere, but are more often found in dark, moist places.

Some can even survive in water for a prolonged time.

Meanwhile, snakes are particularly keen on piles of tin or wood laying around.

Spider bites

Most spider bites are harmless. However, if a person has been bitten by a big black spider or funnel-web, it is a medical emergency.

If someone is bitten, you should keep them still, call an ambulance and apply a pressure immobilisation bandage, with a further bandage to the entire limb.

A bite from a funnel-web can cause severe pain, sweating, vomiting, difficulty breathing and muscle twitching.

A redback spider bite may result in pain and redness, but it is not considered life-threatening so does not require bandaging.

Snake bites

Seek immediate medical attention, even for a suspected bite.

If someone has collapsed following a snake bite start CPR immediately – this can be lifesaving.

If someone is bitten you should keep them still, call an ambulance and apply a pressure immobilisation bandage.

Tight tourniquets should not be applied and the bite site should not be washed, cut or sucked.

Symptoms from a venomous bite can include nausea, vomiting and a headache, however, first aid should be applied regardless of whether these symptoms are present