A few years ago, climate change seemed like a faraway problem. Now, it is hiding in our backyards. One woman was forced to flee her property after she gazed into her pool to find nearly two dozen venomous spiders lurking there. These creatures, which are massive and called mouse spiders (their favorite type of meal), mark a real threat for those living in the Southern Hemisphere in the Land Downunder.
As temperatures skyrocket with Australia’s summer, residents have been warned about the increased threat from venomous spiders. While spiders have always been a problem in Australia, climate change has empowered them to be even more dangerous and deadly.
Experts urge people to keep as far away as possible from the exploding population of spiders. These spiders, which are often found underwater, are very much alive and ready to strike.
Meanwhile, an exterminator from the Sydney area reported that September to May is the busy season for dangerous spiders. Julian Bracewell from Pest2Kill is preparing himself and his colleagues to get out into the field and help save Australian lives from these deadly spiders that continue to populate the Land Downunder in bigger and bigger numbers each passing year.
Bracewell confirmed that mouse spiders often fall into swimming pools. However, just because these massive killers underwater do not mean that their lives have been lost. Instead, they’re ready to strike whenever the moment arises. They’re alert like that.
“A lot of people confuse Mouse spiders for Funnel Webs because they’re very similar looking and are ground-dwelling as well.”
Although mouse spiders and funnel spiders are both dangerous, mouse spiders are particularly terrifying. Mouse spiders can grow as large as 35 cm in length. Their bites are not likely to kill a person but do cause intense searing pain and serious illness.
Mouse spiders prefer natural environments with plenty of bushes for them to hide in – just like the mice, they hunt for their meals. As temperatures rise, it is more likely for Aussies to come into contact with mouse spiders.
“Mouse spiders aren’t as aggressive as Funnel Webs, but they are venomous, so handle with care and use gloves or a pool cleaner,” Bracewell said. “A bite is pretty painful and will cause illness to young children. It’s similar to a Redback. Their fangs are pretty long, and anyone bitten should be taken to hospital.”
While the exterminator suggests people should hire a professional, there are DIY measures that can be done to protect these spiders from entering a home. However, he confirmed that it is a bad move to remove these spiders alone because their bites are dangerous.
“If you’re gardening, use proper gloves. Hose down children’s toys as we often find Redbacks hidden in toys outside,” he said. “Keep your garden maintenance up to scratch, ponds and stagnant water can attract flies and mosquitoes, which spiders eat. If you see burrows in your garden, call an expert. I wouldn’t handle that yourself.”
What do you think about the rise in spider sightings?