With temperatures increasing and rain making for prime pest conditions, Armidale residents are being warned to brace for the upcoming snake and spider season.
Around 30 snake and spider bites have been reported across the New England in the past year, with that number predicted to rise in the coming months.
In October, paramedics attended 28 calls for snake bites alone across NSW, an increase on September’s total of 14 and higher than the 19 recorded for the same October period in 2015.
Little Bear Childcare Cottage worker Febi Snape said being close to bush land and the creek meant that taking precautions was especially important for the childcare centre coming into the summer months.
“We do our annual pest inspection and we get someone to come and do that,” she said.
“We’ve been here 30 odd years... and we haven’t really seen any snakes around these parts even being near the creek.
“We’ve been quite lucky in that aspect but if we did call a snake we’d just call a snake handler to come and remove it.
“In terms of preparing, it’s really the pest control as well as supervising children and all times and not leaving them alone.
“We’re lucky because we’re pretty well staffed here and we’re always very alert of any spiders or snakes.”
Northern Tablelands Wildlife Carers secretary, Carla Borin said being prepared was the best way to deter pests.
“Snakes and spiders are officially out,” Ms Borin said.
“In the case of snakes and spiders, prevention is the best cure.
“It’s time to mow and wipper snip lawns and areas with long grass.
“Weed and tidy up garden beds and pick up any items lying on the ground.”
Ms Borin said taking such precautions can prevent attracting snakes on the move.
“By removing these from our gardens we make them less inviting” Ms Borin said.
“All of these actions will also make our gardens less inviting to spiders as well.”
NSW Ambulance Inspector John Brotherhood said paramedics were urging people to also be on the lookout for funnel web spiders, redbacks, white-tails and trap door spiders.
“Around the home, remove piled up debris from the yard and keep lawns mowed to reduce the potential for unexpected visitors,” Mr Brotherhood said.
“Paramedics attend many cases where people have put on boots and gloves and been bitten by spiders and even snakes which were hidden inside.”
If you find a snake contact the NTWC emergency line on 1800 008 290.
