‘Don’t muck around’: Urgent warning as spider numbers spike in hot and humid weather

Eight-legged creepy crawlies will return to homes and backyards across NSW as rising temperatures and humidity create the perfect arachnid environment.

Fresh warnings have emerged over the influx of the funnel-web spiders - the world’s most dangerous spider - in the state, but it isn’t the only area of the country creeping into spider season.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Expert tips as funnel-web spider population grows.

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Rising temperatures and humidity are expected to cause an influx of spiders from common household varieties to more dangerous types such as funnel-webs and redbacks, as Australia moves into its warmer months.

This is due to an increase in the populations of is the insects they eat, such as mosquitos, but also because of mating patterns. Male funnel-web spiders come out of their burrows in spring and summer, wandering through gardens to find a mate, and therefore increasing human contact.

Billy Collett from the Australian Reptile Park spoke to Sunrise about the potentially deadly spiders and exactly what to do if you see them — or if you get bitten by one.

Sydneysiders have been warned over an incoming influx of funnel-web spiders as warmer months approach. Credit: Ian Waldie/Getty Images

“We’ve definitely seen more, especially after that two years of wet weather,” Collett said.

“If you do see one, don’t annoy it, don’t muck around with it, just leave it alone.

“They’re not really aggressive, all they try to do is try and get away from you, it’s only when you corner it and provoke it that they sort of turn around and defend themselves.”

If you are bitten by a funnel-web spider, it’s important to act quickly. Advise children to tell someone immediately if they suspect they have been bitten.

“Funnel-webs have really fast-acting venom. (They) have got the record for the fastest envenomation death here in Australia,” Collett told Sunrise.

“You’ve got literally a couple of minutes to get a bandage on.”

What to do if you are bitten by a funnel-web

If you are bitten by a funnel-web spider, the first thing to do is seek first aid. “It’s really simple,” Collett said.

He says that it is best to keep a pressure bandage in your first aid kit, the same type of bandage which is used for snake bites in Australia.

When pulled to the correct tension, rectangles on the bandages form a square, and then it should be wrapped three times around the bitten area, and then wrapped along the entire affected limb before it is tied or tucked at the end.

Billy Collett demonstrates how to apply a pressure bandage if you have been bitten by a funnel-web spider. Credit: Sunrise

“These (pressure bandages) will slow down the movement of venom dramatically and buy you hours of time. They’re really effective,” Collett said.

“If you’ve got a second one, chuck it on, then straight to hospital. Don’t muck around.

“Obviously if you don’t have a bandage, use something else, clothes, a towel, whatever.”

It is important to limit movement of the affected area, which will would encourage a more rapid spreading of venom.

Once you arrive at hospital, you will receive a shot of the anti venom which Collett and Reptile Park Australia help to produce.

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