Here to catch spiders: reptile park asking Aussies to lend a hand

The Australian Reptile Park is asking brave citizens to give them a hand catching the world's deadliest spider.

As the warmer months come to an end, the park's antivenom operation is asking residents to catch funnel web spiders before they become more elusive over winter.

The Sydney funnel-web spider is one of the most deadly spiders in the world, however no deaths have occurred since the invention of antivenom in 1981.

To create more of this life-saving antivenom, the park needs more of them. It is the only place in Australia that milks the Sydney funnel-web species.

Spider keeper Emma Teni urged residents to prepare their homes and yards now by removing debris, timber, rocks, leaf litter and clutter where they could hide.

"Spiders are less likely to be seen as temperatures drop, but they're still around. After all, this is Australia and you'll never know where they'll be hiding," said Ms Teni.

However, the park has asked those with the fortitude to cautiously capture any funnel-webs they come across and drop them at one of their designated drop-off points.

If safe, they recommend first placing a smooth-sided jar next to the spider, using a long smooth utensil like a butter knife or plastic shoe horn to nudge the spider into the jar, then tightening the lid before finally adding in damp soil or wet cotton bud.

Funnel-webs cannot climb smooth or shiny surfaces, the park advises, but can climb a wooden utensil.

Anyone attempting to catch a spider should also wear gloves, keepers advise.

The Australian Reptile Park is also seeking egg sacs, which require a similar process.

They advise that if a sac and spider are found in different locations, do not place them in the same jar as the adult spider may destroy the eggs.

If the two are found together, do not separate the mother from her eggs. Be extra gentle, as under too much stress the mother may destroy the sac.

There are two drop-off points in Newcastle for captured funnel-webs: the Animal Referral & Emergency Centre in Broadmeadow and the pathology centre on level two at John Hunter Hospital.

The plea for help comes after a dip in donations during COVID-19 lockdowns.

"We've got about 6000 juvenile funnel web spiders that are currently being raised in our nursery," Ms Teni said.

"The problem that we're experiencing at the moment is just those shorter numbers of mature males at the moment, which makes us a little bit stressed about our venom supply."

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