A public warning for a funnel-web spider "bonanza" has been issued as hot and wet conditions coax the amorous arachnids from bushland and gardens.
Rainfall across the weekend paired with summery temperatures have created idyllic tropical conditions in which funnel-web spiders "thrive within", said Australian Reptile Park keeper Jake Meney.
The summer months mark mating season for the spiders.
If it is safe to do so, Mr Meney said adults can collect the spiders to help bolster the Central Coast park's life-saving anti-venom program, which has put a stop to bite-related deaths since 1981.
"We rely on public donations of funnel-web spiders to build up our milking individuals," explained Mr Meney.
He said adults can place a cotton bud dipped in water or a dollop of moist soil into a jar before ushering the spider inside.
Adults are advised to keep their hands 20 centimetres from the spider and secure a lid on the jar promptly before dropping it off at the park to be "milked".
Funnel-web spiders are unable to climb the slippery surface of glass and plastic as they live on the ground.
The funnel-web spider, Atrax Robustus, is found from Newcastle to Nowra and west as far as Lithgow in NSW.
Funnel-web spiders are found in sheltered burrows in the suburban and wild scrub of both the moist upland forest areas of the Hornsby Plateau to the north and the Woronora Plateau to the south.
The natural habitat are rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests but the shaded areas of well-vegetated private gardens are also readily colonised.
When found inside the home, Sydney funnel-webs prefer moving into cool, damp places like the laundry, garage or in shoes left out on the ground.
In the instance of a bite, specialists advise to apply a pressure immobilisation bandage and go straight to hospital for treatment.
The male funnel-web spider is more aggressive towards humans and are thought to be responsible for 13 fatal bites.
