Deadly funnel web spider warning across parts of NSW

Residents in Sydney, Newcastle, the Central Coast and surrounds have been warned of a spike in deadly funnel web spiders as recent wet weather bring perfect conditions for the deadly arachnid.

The creepy crawly will likely be spotted in residential gardens and may even sneak inside homes as males begin to leave their burrows looking for a mate, the Australian Reptile Park said.

Rainfall across the week paired with summery temperatures create an environment which funnel webs "thrive in," reptile and spider keeper at the Australian Reptile Park, Jake Meney said.

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

"It is best to ensure you are not leaving washing and clothing on the floor, 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."

Mr Meney likened these funnel web hot-spots to the spiders' natural environment – sheltered, shady places which are always cool and humid.

Keepers are calling on adults to catch the spiders and bring them to the Australian Reptile Park for their life-saving anti-venom program.

"It's important that Australians are across the correct first aid and know how to safely catch the spiders so that we can continue to milk them and save lives," Mr Meney said.

"We rely on public donations of funnel web spiders to build up our milking individuals."

If bitten by a funnel-web spider the Australian Reptile Park advises the application of a pressure immobilisation bandage and to get to hospital as quickly as possible.