GREAT Lakes residents have been warned to watch out for dangerous funnel-web spiders.
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Trisha Grothe found these two unwelcome guests in her garage after having her home sprayed.
“Luckily they were dead when we found them because we were having the place sprayed, but I just wanted to warn people to be careful, particularly if they have small children or even pets.”
The funnel-web is regarded as the world’s most deadly spider, accounting for 13 of the 27 recorded spider-bite deaths in the last 100 years. They wander during the warmer months but move far less during colder periods. They are attracted to water and are often found in swimming pools, and often also show up in garages and sheds.
A bite is initially very painful and symptoms including goose bumps, sweating, tingling around the mouth and tongue, twitching, salivation, watery eyes, elevated heart rate and elevated blood pressure. Affected people should seek emergency assistance immediately.