As relentless downpours continue to drench New South Wales, residents in Sydney’s suburbs could be facing swarms of deadly venomous funnel-web spiders escaping from rising floodwaters. While thousands of people have been evacuated this week due to flash floods in the region, animals and insects have also been forced from their natural habitats.
This week, Australians have taken to social media posting footage and photos of wolf spiders swarming towards residential homes. And if that wasn’t enough to contend with, the current conditions bring in a looming threat of a venomous spider plague, thanks to the uninvited creepy crawlers.
With parts of suburban northwest Sydney still underwater, residents were able to enjoy some sunshine Wednesday. The short respite however, also came with an urgent warning to brace for swarms of venomous funnel-web spiders.
According to Channel News Asia, Australian Reptile Park director Tim Faulkner warned residents that water levels and the muggy weather is just the right recipe for an influx of funnel-web spiders invading Sydney’s suburbs.
“Unfortunately, this could mean that they'll be finding their way into residential homes very shortly”, he added.
Funnel-web spiders are part of the arachnid family that build webs around their burrows and are feared because of their highly toxic and fast-acting venom.
According to the Australian Museum, up to 30-40 cases of funnel-web spider bites are reported each year. There have been 13 deaths recorded from funnel-web spider bites, but since anti-venoms were made available in the 1980s, the numbers have dropped to zero.
For those who are confident and brave enough to face their arachnophobia, the Australian Reptile Park, which also supplies spider anti-venom, has advised residents to catch and deliver the spiders to designated facilities. This of course applies only if they can provide themselves with all necessary caution and safety measures.
Funnel-web spiders are found in damp, wooded areas, close to water. Faulkner urged residents to be highly alert at the increased threat, reminding people to check their shoes, sheets and clothes. The bite from a funnel-web spider can cause severe symptoms that can worsen rapidly if left untreated, 9News Australia reported.
If you think you have been bitten by a funnel-web, you should apply first aid immediately and seek medical help.
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