Ticks, Redbacks and Funnel-Webs on the Northern Beaches: A Spring and Summer Guide

Alexandra

2 hours ago

3 min read

As the weather warms up on Sydney's Northern Beaches, ticks and spiders become much more active. With so many homes backing onto bushland, leafy gardens and reserves, spring and summer is when ticks, redbacks and funnel-webs are most likely to turn up around the home. Here is what to look out for, what to do if someone is bitten, and how to keep your home and family safer.

Paralysis ticks on the Northern Beaches

The Australian paralysis tick lives along the east coast of Australia, and bushy suburbs on the Northern Beaches such as Avalon, Mona Vale, Frenchs Forest and Collaroy Plateau are prime tick territory. Ticks live in leaf litter, long grass and shrubs, and wildlife can carry them into backyards.

How to remove a tick safely

Current Australian advice is to freeze it, don't squeeze it. Use an ether-containing freezing spray to kill the tick, then let it drop off. Do not pull, scratch or squeeze a live tick, and do not put methylated spirits, kerosene or other chemicals on it, because disturbing it can make it inject more saliva. If the tick will not come off, or if you have a known tick allergy, seek medical help.

Ticks and pets

Ticks can make dogs and cats seriously ill. Check your pets every day during the warmer months, especially around the head, neck, ears and paws, and see your vet straight away if you find a tick or notice signs such as weakness, wobbliness or a change in their bark or breathing.

Reducing ticks in your yard

Keep grass mowed and clear away leaf litter.
Wear long pants and long sleeves when working in the garden or walking in the bush.
Use an insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin on exposed skin.
Check yourself, your children and your pets after spending time outdoors.

We also offer tick treatments for yards, targeting the areas around your home where ticks are most likely to be found.

Redback spiders

Redbacks are found throughout Australia and are very common around Northern Beaches homes. The female is black with a distinctive red or orange stripe on her back. Redbacks like dry, sheltered spots, so check under outdoor furniture, in letterboxes, garden sheds, garages, pot plants, children's play equipment and around the barbecue.

First aid for a redback bite

Do not apply a pressure bandage.
Wash the area and keep it clean.
Call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice.
Go to hospital if symptoms are severe.

Funnel-web spiders

The Sydney funnel-web is one of the world's most dangerous spiders, and it is found right across the Sydney region, including the Northern Beaches. Funnel-webs are large, glossy black spiders. They live in cool, damp, sheltered places such as under rocks, logs and garden beds, and are most active in the warmer months, especially after rain, when males wander looking for a mate. They sometimes end up in garages, shoes left outside and swimming pools.

First aid for a funnel-web bite

Call 000 immediately. A funnel-web bite is a medical emergency.
Keep the person still and calm.
Apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite and wrap the entire limb, then splint it to keep it still.
If you are not sure what kind of large black spider it was, treat it as a funnel-web bite.

How to reduce spiders around your home

Wear gloves when gardening and when moving pots, rocks or timber.
Shake out shoes, boots and clothing left outside.
Keep garages and sheds tidy and reduce clutter where spiders can hide.
Fit screens and seal gaps around doors and windows.
Have a regular general pest treatment around your home.

Book a tick or spider treatment

Bargain Pest Control is a family business based in Frenchs Forest, servicing homes right across the Northern Beaches, including Manly, Dee Why, Brookvale, Narrabeen and Collaroy. Our treatments are safe for children and pets. Call us on (02) 9128 4888 to book.

This article is general information only. In an emergency, call 000. For advice about bites and stings, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.