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New South Wales Warned To Watch Out For A 'Plague' Of Deadly Spiders

New South Wales Warned To Watch Out For A 'Plague' Of Deadly Spiders

The wet weather and flooding, followed by hot weather, has created the perfect conditions for the deadly spider.

Jessica Lynch

Jessica Lynch

If you thought copping a week of torrential rain and flooding was bad enough, then prepare to have your day well and truly ruined.

Apparently, the wild weather has not only sent us humans indoors but a whole slew of creepy crawlies who are also trying to take shelter from the floods that have devastated parts of eastern Australia.

The Australian Reptile Park on the NSW Central Coast has issued a 'funnel-web boom' warning, with the wet weather and flooding, followed by hot weather, creating the perfect conditions for the deadly spider.

"The worst flooding NSW has seen in a hundred years followed by the promise of warm weather is the perfect mix for a plague of funnel-web spiders to be on the move," the Australian Reptile Park warned.

Australian Reptile Park

Park director Tim Faulkner added: "We're already seeing increased movements from funnel-web spiders.

"The upcoming warm weather and high levels of humidity is the perfect storm for a funnel-web spider boom in coming days.

"Usually, funnel-webs are found in damp, wooded areas, generally near a water source. With the incredible flooding that we've experienced, they have been forced out of their habitat and are seeking refuge in dryer areas.

"Unfortunately, this could mean that they'll be finding their way into residential homes very shortly."

The reptile park added that funnel-web spiders are usually found in NSW, from Sydney to Newcastle.

Melanie Williams/Facebook
Matt Lovenfosse/Facebook

But it's not just the venomous funnel-web spider waltzing into our homes seeking shelter.

Social media has been flooded (no pun intended) with a plethora of other eight-legged arachnids, including wolf spiders as seen in one social media snap that's bound to haunt your nightmares.

The spiders can be seen trying to seek higher ground as they escape floodwater - even if that higher ground happens to be an unsuspecting human.

Penrith resident Shenea Varley said on a video she posted of the spiders online: "They will climb up your legs to get shelter as well if your (sic) not careful."

The park has suggested those who feel safe enough to do so, are encouraged to catch funnel-web spiders safely and drop them at the reptile park to join the anti-venom program.

Details about drop off locations and how to catch a funnel-web can be found at www.reptilepark.com.au.

Featured Image Credit: Australian Geographic

Topics: Animals, Australia