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SPIDER INVASION - Wednesday 30 October 2002
Queensland is in the grip of the worst spider plague ever - with the hot and dry conditions creating the perfect breeding ground.
by In the last few weeks more than 20 people have been bitten - at least one by the deadly red back spider.
The high number of household bites has prompted spider experts to issue warnings not to be complacent this summer.
The most dangerous varieties to look out for in your backyards include redbacks, the garden orb (pictured), which can cause problems for asthmatics if they're bitten and the huntsman.
When it comes to redbacks outside hotspots include wheelie bin lids, swings, downpipes, BBQs and garden furniture. But they can sometimes drop from the ceiling through light fittings as well.
The best way to get them under control is to spray. Redbacks can only be killed if they are directly hit by poison. A treatment can cost one to two hundred dollars depending on how many redbacks are found.
A cheaper option is swatting and dismantling the web. But it's the ones you can't see that are of most concern. If you stumble across a nasty looking garden orb - Dr Raven says remove the web. If you're persistent the spider will eventually get the message and move on.
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