The wet and warm weather has resulted in the perfect conditions for spiders to come out of their nests and check out your home — with reports they are invading in huge numbers.

REDBACKS, huntsman and white-tailed spiders are “extremely prevalent” in Adelaide homes this summer and early autumn due to good breeding conditions.

And there’s good news and bad news about your chances of getting a nasty bite.

The bad news is that most white-tailed bites happen indoors because they like to nestle among towels and clothing.

But the good news is stories of the white-tailed bite eating away flesh have been largely debunked as a myth, with studies showing the worst the bites can cause are a burning sensation, swelling and an itchy red mark.

Mick, a South Australian pest controller, said a wet spring and damp winter had created excellent breeding conditions for white-tailed spiders.  “They are extremely prevalent at the moment,” he said.  “Lots of spiders across the north and northeast.  It’s mainly because we had wet weather right up until November.”

Another pest controller, who wished to remain anonymous, said his team were “getting call backs, which is unheard of”.

“We have done treatments where we have been called back due to continued numbers of spiders being seen,” he said.

All States Pest Control chief executive officer and AEPMA President, Vasili Tsoutouras said sales for pest control eradication had been strong this summer.

“There’s been favourable conditions for spiders,” he said.  “Spiders are more comfortable to be inside than outside, they’re looking for some respite too.  All those common general pests, we’re seeing all of them.”

Greenwith resident Suzie Williams said she had seen three larger-than-usual white-tailed spiders at her home in the past month.

“There is a big issue around here this year,” she said.  “The white tips we have been having have been huge.  More like a baby huntsman size.”

An SA Ambulance spokeswoman said there had been three admissions to Modbury Hospital for spider bites during the past year.

Edited Article from adelaidenow.com.au (19 March 2018)

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