You may have noticed the weather in Dubbo has been extremely warm…

Unfortunately it’s not just us that have been enjoying the sunshine. Warmer weather always brings out pests and creepy crawlies.

Over the past few weeks we’ve been getting a lot of call outs for Redback spiders…

And although we don’t need to tell you how common they are in Dubbo, we thought it was worth reminding you to be cautious…

Redback bites can be extremely painful and are not always noticed straight away. It can take up to half an hour for pain symptoms to show themselves and it’s very hard to identify a Redback spider bite. These little critters are so tiny their jaws don’t really leave a mark…

If you are a parent you do need to watch out for your kids. Spider bites are a lot more harmful and painful to children.

Since we seem to have had an explosion in the local Redback spider population lately, there are a few precautions you should take to make sure your little ones are safe…

Make sure you check all outdoor toys like trampolines, slides and swing-sets, these are popular places for Redbacks to build webs. Always make sure you check rarely used ride on toys or toys that have been in storage… Like this ride on Thomas toy pictured below…

This Redback spider was found hiding in this toy last week

If you’re planning on some late summer barbecues you’ll need to check all of your outside furniture…

The underside of tables and chairs or loungers are favourite spot for red backs to build a nest. Avoid the embarrassment of a guest getting a nasty bite at your place by checking around your outdoor decking or patio areas…

Remember to check on elderly relatives, older people are more likely to have a bad reaction to a Redback bite. And keep a close eye on any pregnant friends or relatives, spider bites are very dangerous to pregnant women…

If you can, have a check around their garden as well as your own…

Redbacks will make a home anywhere that’s dark and warm and you’ll be surprised at how many places where they can pop up…

Check large shrubs, shaded trees, plants pots and trellises. Also take a peek inside garages, sheds and outbuildings. You could use this as an excuse for a bit of clean up and clear out…

When the weather cools, keep on the ball. We all know that the colder weather makes bugs disappear, make sure they are not disappearing into your house..

As we head into Autumn spiders will be looking for a place to get warm and cosy, make sure you check around your home for signs of webs.

Be especially cautious if you have guests coming to stay in your spare rooms. Redbacks like hanging out in places you don’t check on often. Remember to look inside the furniture you don’t use regularly and clean out old wardrobes or drawers…

You don’t want the family to get a nasty surprise or a bite when they unpack…

If you are concerned someone is showing Redback spider bite symptoms get medical advice. Its always better to be safe than sorry. There are anti venoms available and medicine to treat reactions…

Remember to always be on the look out for Redback spiders on your property, they have a nasty habit of popping up in places you least expect it….

If you have little ones running around make sure you’re being extra careful and teach them how to be safe…

Have you seen any around your property? If so let us know in the comments below.