Signs warn of redback spiders
at a Brisbane train station.
Brisbane commuters have been warned about possible redback spider infestations in the wake of last month's floods.
Warning signs have been erected at Morningside station alerting passengers of the threat after staff noticed an increase in the number of the venomous spiders late last week.
A Queensland Rail spokeswoman said several stations have had to be sprayed.
"The station was sprayed immediately, followed by a second spray last week. Signs were erected to alert customers of the presence of spiders."
Robert Raven, the senior curator of arachnids at the Queensland Museum, said the spiders had been at railway stations for some time, however the rise in active cars during the floods could be a possible reason for the increase.
"[Redbacks] tend to be very happy in close association with human beings, so we move them around," Dr Raven said.
"I suspect that this is a collateral effect because during the floods people were driving their cars around a lot more, cars that were normally not moving were actually active ...
"We have got to be more aware of what we do, what the public does in terms of moving these things around."
Dr Raven said spider infestations required professional treatment and while QR had been managing the situation effectively, the sprays needed to be frequently repeated.
"The issue is the spraying usually has to be repeated with in a six week period because the eggs are impervious to the spray and any young hatched from that will need to be treated again," he said.
The QR spokeswoman said, to their knowledge, the spray had appeared to be effective, but they would continue to monitor the situation.
"Our policy is if there is anything after they have been sprayed, they will be resprayed within 24 hours," they said.
"Additionally, Queensland Rail is continuing to re-spray stations on the Ipswich and Ferny Grove lines as a precaution following the floods."
Dr Raven said while redbacks were dangerous, the majority of bites were not fatal.
"Most of the hospitals and doctors have a very good handle on how to deal with [redback bites] and some of the bites are quite minor and localised, passing very quickly," he said.
"Some of them can be quite severe and when they are severe there is usually someone on hand [at the hospital] who knows what is going on who can administer anti-venom or watch the person until the situation is resolved."
Dr Raven said medical attention should always be sought after a redback bite.
Queensland Health last month warned that wild animals, snakes and spiders may have been trapped in buildings as the flood waters entered and could be a potential hazard to unsuspecting residents.
