Funnel-web spiders thrive in recent wet weather conditions as Australian Reptile Park appeals for donations

Experts say recent wet weather conditions may have created the perfect storm for funnel-web spiders to thrive.

NSW residents are being told to remain on alert for the deadly arachnids with the Australian Reptile Park warning torrential rains may see male funnel-webs leave their burrows in search of a mate, sometimes ending up in houses or residential gardens.

With more and more Australians likely to come across the deadly spider in the coming months, the zoo on the NSW Central Coast, says to think again before killing them.

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The hands-on park - which is the sole supplier of funnel-web spider venom to make into lifesaving antivenom - is asking responsible adults to catch wandering spiders safely and drop them off to join the program.

“The program has saved countless Australian lives since the program’s inception in the early 1980’s - there has not been a single death since the introduction of the program,” it said.

Reptiles and Spider keeper Sam Herrmann said it’s important to know how to safely catch the spiders so that the zoo “can continue to milk them and save lives”.

So - how do you catch a spider that could kill you in 15 minutes? Watch the video below.

“When found inside homes, Sydney funnel webs prefer cool, damp places like the laundry, garage or in shoes left out on the ground,” he said.

“It is best to ensure you are not leaving washing and clothing on the floors, 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.”

The Sydney funnel-web prefers to make its home in sheltered, shady spots, which are always cool and humid, or shaded areas of well-vegetated private gardens.

Any collected spiders can be brought to the park or one of the participating drop off locations.

If someone is bitten by a funnel-web spider, it’s important to stay as calm as possible and apply the correct first aid, which is a pressure immobilisation bandage and get to hospital as fast as you possibly can.

St John Ambulance Training Manager Lara Bisley has previously said symptoms may include breathing difficulty, excess saliva, muscular twitching, numbness around the mouth, disorientation and confusion leading to unconsciousness.

For more tips on how to catch the funnel-web safely and where to drop them off, visit the Australian Reptile Park website.