How common are funnel web spiders in Sydney?

Almost four million people live in the Sydney region, the centre of the distribution of the Sydney Funnel-web Spider. This makes the likelihood of human encounters with this spider much greater than in less urbanised areas like the Blue Mountains.

Can a huntsman spider kill you?

Huntsman spider venom Although their bite is lethal to insects, their venom is not particularly toxic to humans. However, the badge huntsman is reported to have more potent venom.

How do I stop a Sydney funnel web spider?

To avoid funnel web spider bites:

1. keep your garden free of rubble and rubbish where spiders can hide.
2. wear shoes, gloves and long sleeved shirt when working in the garden.
3. check shoes and households items for spiders.

Are Huntsman spiders poisonous?

Huntsman are not deadly to humans. According to the Australian Reptile Park, although huntsman spiders are venomous and their bites can be painful to humans, they do not cause anything more serious than mild nausea or headaches. Usually localized swelling and pain are the only symptoms of a huntsman spider bite.

Do funnel web spiders chase you?

Male Sydney Funnel-web spiders have a habit of wandering into backyards and falling into suburban swimming pools, where they can survive many hours. The venom of juvenile and female Sydney Funnel-web Spiders is much less toxic. Nor do they jump onto, or chase people, or live in houses – these are all urban myths.

What do you do if you find a funnel web spider in your house?

Take care as funnel-webs are highly defensive and may strike; however, they cannot jump or climb glass. When the spider is within the jar, slide a piece of heavy cardboard or solid plastic under the opening to completely cover it.

Does a funnel-web bite hurt?

Though there have been 13 recorded deaths 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. The large fangs and acidic venom make the bite very painful.

Are funnel-web spiders aggressive?

Funnel-webs are extremely aggressive spiders and will have no hesitation in standing their ground and defending themselves. The front legs are raised high off the ground and the fangs are brought up and directed forward ready to strike. If further provoked the fangs will strike downwards with great speed and force.

Do Funnel Webs live in houses?

Male Sydney Funnel-web spiders have a habit of wandering into backyards and falling into suburban swimming pools, where they can survive many hours. They also sometimes enter and become trapped in houses.