THE Post has noticed an increase in funnel-web spider sightings across the community.
These spiders like to burrow in moist, cool, sheltered habitats – under rocks, in and under rotting logs, crevices, rot and borer holes in rough-barked trees. In gardens, they prefer rockeries and dense shrubberies and are rarely found in more open surfaces like lawns.
Rain may flood burrows and the temporary retreats of male Funnel-webs, causing an increase in their activity.
Funnel-web spiders are usually spotted on the North Shore from November to April. This is considered mating time, and the male funnel-web spider is out and about looking for “love”. They tend to come out at night, but you can also come across them during the day.
What to Do when a Funnel-web Spider Bites
Signs and symptoms of funnel-web spiders
- Pain at the area of the bite, but little redness or swelling.
- Person may be salivating and sweating profusely. They may have numbness or tingling around the mouth. Confusion may develop and there can be difficulty breathing. Muscular spasms can occur.
All funnel-web spider bites should be treated as potentially life-threatening, even though only approximately 10% to 15% of bites are venomous.
- Funnel-web spider bites can be fatal, and life-threatening effects can occur quickly – within 10 minutes. If someone is bitten by a funnel-web spider, follow these rules.
- Check the person’s breathing and circulation. If unconscious follow DRABC plan – Danger, Respond, Airway, Breathing, Circulation.
- Calm the person and keep them STILL.
- Dial 000 for an ambulance. It’s important to get the victim to a hospital, preferably by an ambulance that has resuscitation facilities and antivenom for funnel-web spider bites.
- Apply a broad pressure bandage to the entire limb immediately, especially over the bite site. If bitten on hand, bandage as much of arm as possible, starting just above fingers; if bitten on foot or leg, bandage entire leg from just above toes.
- Apply a splint to the limb, to keep it STILL.
- DO NOT remove the bandage — this will result in spread of the venom into the bloodstream.
- Antivenom is given to people who have symptoms following a funnel-web spider bite.
source: mydr.com.au
