Summers coming and so are the spiders.
We always get callouts for spiders as summer approaches. As the weather warms up spiders become active in looking for prey and suitable partners to breed with.
Unfortunately Dubbo is right on the border of funnel web country. As the funnel web is one of Australia’s most deadly spiders and has been known to frequent the Dubbo area, we
Funnel Web Spider Hot Spots
thought we would put together some instructions for what to do in case you get bitten.
What do I do if I know I have been bitten by a funnel web spider?
If you know you have been bitten by a funnel web spider there are a couple of actions you can take that will prolong your life until you get to a hospital to have anti-venom.
- The first thing you should do is apply a PIB (Pressure Immobilization Bandage). If you don’t have a bandage you can use a T-shirt, sheet or any kind of breathable cloth.
- If you can, try to get a picture of the spider so the doctors can identify the spider and ensure they administer the correct anti-venom.
- If possible call 000 so an ambulance can come and get you as the more you move the quicker the venom spreads around your body so after calling an ambulance just try to lay still.
What Symptoms Does a Bite Cause?
It’s pretty unlikely to get bitten by a funnel web and not see it as it is quite a large spider. However in the unlikely event you get bitten and don’t see it you will experience the following symptoms:
- Great pain at the area of the bite
- Nausea
- Difficulty Breathing
- Profuse Sweating
- Large bite marks
If you think you may have been bitten by something and experience any of these symptoms you need to get to a hospital.
Funnel Web Spider Nest
Prevention.
Prevention always has been and always will be the best medicine. Aussies have all grown up being taught to check your shoes before putting them on and to always be careful when in areas that may contain dangerous spiders. But there are some other prevention methods you may not have thought of.
For example did you know that the funnel web spider has been known to hide in swimming pools? They can stay submerged for up to several days. It’s scary to think one could be living inside your pools filter basket…
So always make sure you keep your property clean and tidy and make sure to be extra careful when dealing with potential hiding spots.
If you have seen a funnel web spider in the Dubbo area please let us know in the comments below.