Venomous Redback Spider Infestation Discovered in Perth Playground Equipment
Residents of Melville in Perth have made a disturbing discovery at a local children's playground, finding what they describe as an "infestation" of venomous redback spiders inside play equipment at Piney Lakes Reserve. The alarming situation was reported by a concerned parent who visited the playground with her child earlier this week.
"Redbacks Galore" in Play Equipment
One resident posted on a Melville City Facebook group about her frightening experience at the Piney Lakes playground on Tuesday. "I've just taken my daughter to Piney Lakes playground, and inside one of the play equipment was redbacks galore," the anonymous poster wrote. The parent described the equipment as having an igloo-style design with holes containing colored glass, noting that redback spiders were present in nearly every single opening.
The resident attempted to address the immediate danger by trying to kill the spiders with a stick, but reported that many escaped during the attempt. Even more concerning was the discovery that some spiders had established nests full of baby spiders within the playground structure.
Immediate Safety Concerns for Children
The anonymous poster expressed significant concern about local children being unknowingly exposed to the venomous spiders, stating that the issue had been immediately reported to the City of Melville council. "It's a real danger for children who put their fingers in and have no idea that redbacks are poisonous," the post emphasized.
This concern is well-founded, as bites from female redback spiders can be particularly dangerous. Redback spider bites can cause severe pain, significant illness, and potentially death if not treated promptly with antivenom. The spiders are easily identified by their distinctive black coloring with a prominent red stripe on the upper abdomen.
Community Response and Spider Behavior
Other members of the Melville Facebook group quickly responded to the initial post, agreeing with the seriousness of the situation and urging the resident to ensure the council was properly notified. Many emphasized the genuine danger posed by redback bites, particularly to young children who might not recognize the spiders or understand the risks.
Redback spiders typically weave their webs in dry, sheltered locations, making enclosed playground equipment an ideal habitat. They are commonly found in areas such as:
- Corrugated fences
- Under garden furniture
- Within enclosed playground structures
The timing of this discovery is particularly concerning as redback spiders are most active in Western Australia during the summer months, which coincides with their mating season. This increased activity period makes encounters with humans more likely and potentially more dangerous.
The City of Melville council now faces the challenge of addressing this serious public safety issue while ensuring the playground remains accessible to families. The discovery highlights the importance of regular playground inspections and maintenance, particularly during warmer months when spider activity increases.
