With warmer weather and increased rainfall, the start of funnel-web spider season is here! As we brace for a wet spring and summer, it’s important that all Australians are educated about this deadly spider species and learn what to do if you or a loved one are unfortunate enough to be bitten. Thankfully, the Australian Reptile Park has been working hard to extract venom from funnel-webs to make lifesaving antivenom for almost 40 years.
Read on to learn more about funnel-web spiders, the Australian Reptile Park’s antivenom program and what to do if you encounter one of Australia’s most venomous spiders.
The Australian Reptile Park’s Venom Milking Program
Since the inception of the Australian Reptile Park’s funnel-web spider antivenom program in 1981, zero deaths have been recorded due to funnel-web spider. The Australian Reptile Park has played a massive role in this with assistance in the inventing the funnel-web antivenom as well as playing an ongoing role in providing the raw venom to Seqiris for antivenom to be made. The Australian Reptile Park’s venom program houses over 2,000 spiders from baby spiderlings up to full grown adult male specimens; who are milked on a weekly schedule.
See the milking process for yourself!
Visit the Australian Reptile Park to witness our steady-handed keepers extract this precious, lifesaving venom from deadly funnel-web spiders.
Using a glass pipette on the end of a small vacuum, keepers encourage the spider to rear up in a defensive position and then gently suck the venom from the end of the spider’s fangs.
Venture into Spider World to discover the secret life of spiders and see our funnel-web spider milking room. Visit www.reptilepark.com.au for up to date showtimes.
Funnel-web spiders in the home
When found inside homes, Sydney funnel-webs prefer cool, damp places like the laundry, garage or in shoes left out on the ground. Make sure you don’t leave washing and clothing on the floors and, 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.
Funnel-web spider first aid
- Keep the bite victim calm and immobile.
- Apply a pressure-immobilisation bandage to the bite site and the adjacent limb. This should be the same tension/tightness as a sprain. Wrap around the bite site 3 times and then wrap the rest of the limb. For example, a bite on the finger should be treated by bandaging the finger first and then the entire arm.
- Further restrict movement by applying a splint (only if option is nearby).
- Go straight to hospital.
If you or a loved one are bitten by a funnel-web spider, it’s important to stay as calm as possible and apply the correct first aid. Though there have been 13 recorded deaths (prior to 1981) from funnel-web spider bites, some cases do not always develop severe symptoms. However, the same precautions first aid should be administered because, if untreated, a major bite may cause death within an hour.
How to catch a funnel-web spider
The Australian Reptile Park relies on public donations of funnel-web spiders to become part of our spider venom milking program.
As funnel-web spider activity increases over the next few months, the Australian Reptile Park is encouraging responsible adults to catch wandering Sydney funnel-web spiders safely and asking for any collected spiders to be brought to the Park or one of the participating drop off locations to contribute to the lifesaving antivenom program.
Although it might seem daunting, it’s actually very easy to catch a funnel-web spider, as long as it is done safely by an adult!
- Find a large jar and a long utensil like a large spoon or 30cm ruler
- If the spider is stationary, place your jar on its side next to the spider and gently encourage the spider to enter the jar
- If the spider is moving, simply put the jar in path of the spider and it will walk right in
- Now that the spider is contained, put a little damp soil or a damp cotton ball inside the jar
- Close the jar with a lid, adding air holes if possible.
Spider drop-off locations
So now you know how to catch a funnel-web spider. Now what? Bring it to one of our spider drop-off locations! The Australian Reptile Park is the main location for funnel web spider drop offs. However, if you are unable to get to the Park, there are a variety of drop off points you can take the spider to on the Central Coast, Newcastle and Sydney. Visit www.reptilepark.com.au for drop-off locations.