Recent wet weather conditions will bring an increase in the amount of funnel web spiders around Sydney, warned the Australian Reptile Park.
The recent rains and weather conditions during summer will create perfect conditions for funnel-web spiders to thrive, with male funnel-webs set to be leaving their burrows in search of a mate, sometimes ending up in houses or residential gardens.
Sam Herrmann, Reptiles and Spider keeper, said the public must remain vigilant, aware, and safe when dealing with funnel-web spiders.
“Summer is funnel web season and with the recent rain brings during conditions where funnel web spiders thrive so now is the time people will be seeing funnel webs more and more. We need to public to assist us with bringing funnel web spiders to the Australian Reptile Park.”
The Australian Reptile Park is the sole supplier of funnel-web spider venom, which creates lifesaving antivenom.
“It’s important that Australians know how to safely catch the spiders so that we can continue to milk them and save lives. We rely on public donations of funnel-web spiders to build up our milking individuals.”
Herrmann said the spiders prefer cool, damp places like the laundry or garage, or in shoes left outside.
“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-webs. Pool filters should also be checked and cleaned regularly.”
Once caught, there are a number of a of drop-off locations across NSW.