Spring in Australia is a season full of excitement! With warmer days and blooming flowers, it’s the perfect time for families to head outdoors, enjoy the sun, embrace the warm and breathe in the fresh air. However, there are some potential dangers that parents need to be aware of during the springtime. These risks can easily turn playtime into a horrible experience if not carefully managed.
To help identify the risks, I’ve compiled a list of 8 common things that your kids should avoid or be aware of during the spring season in Australia. With these safety tips, you can prepare and ensure your little ones are still be able to enjoy the season without running into unexpected hazards.
Snakes
Snakes become more active during spring as the warm weather draws these reptiles out of hibernation. It’s not uncommon to spot them in your backyard, playground or nearby areas as they might search for food and bask in the sun.
What to do?
- Keep the grass trimmed and stay on clear paths.
- Teach children to stay away from snakes and never approach them.
- Although the chances of being bitten are small (as snakes are generally more afraid of humans), always assume the snake is venomous if bitten. Seek emergency medical treatment immediately by calling 000.
For more information about snakes:
Spiders
Several venomous spider species are found in Australia and they become more active during the warmer months. Species such as Huntsman, Funnel-web, and Redback spiders emerge from hiding to seek mates and hunt for prey. Although some spiders can be venomous, the majority are harmless and play a vital role in controlling insect populations.
What to do?
- Clean your house regularly, especially in corners.
- Check your garden, kids’ play areas, any holes or gaps and space between the door and door frame.
- Seal any cracks where spiders could enter if possible.
- Get store-bought spider repellents to keep them away.
- You can also consider planting some natural spider repellent such as basil, mint, lavender or eucalyptus around your home.
- Call a professional exterminator if you encounter a serious spider problem.
For more information about spiders:
Bees and Wasps
Bees and wasps are very common in gardens during spring season. Bees help pollinate crops and native plants, while wasps play a role in pest control by eating other insects, according to Dr Latty, a research and teaching fellow in entomology at University of Sydney. She also urges people to leave those insects alone whenever possible.
What to do?
- Teach kids to avoid active hives and stay calm if they encounter bees or wasps.
- Don’t leave food scraps around as swaps are attracted to meat and sweet foods.
- If you encounter with bee swarm, contact local beekeepers or beekeeping association or club to relocate them. Traditional pest controllers may prefer to destroy the swarm first, instead of humane removing them.
- If you encounter with wasp nest, do not disturb it during day time as they will release a chemical to defend themselves. Use insect dust from a supermarket or hardware store and act according to manufacturer’s instructions. If this doesn’t work, contact a pest controller.
For more information about bees and swaps:
Ticks
Spring is peak tick season due to combination of warm weather and periodic rain, although ticks can occur year-around. They are commonly found in grassy and wooded areas, and can be transmitted through host (animal or person).
What to do?
- Avoid areas infested with ticks such as long grass and overgrown vegetation.
- Keep your pets away from the tick infested areas if possible.
- Wear light-colored clothing to easily spot ticks before they attach, if you have to enter tick-prone areas.
- Wear protective long-sleeved shirts, long pants and closed-toe shoes.
- Wear wide-brimmed hat for added protection.
- Tuck your shirt into your long pants, and your long pants into your socks to prevent ticks from reaching your skin.
- Apply a repellent containing DEET to all exposed skin according to product instructions.
- Apply Permethrin spray on clothing, socks and shoes according to instructions.
- After exposure, check yourself, your children and your pets thoroughly for ticks.
- Place your clothing in dryer for at least 20 minutes to kill any ticks that may be present after exposure.
For more information about ticks:
Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes become particularly active in late spring, summer and autumn. While most mosquito bites are harmless, some species can carry diseases such as Ross River virus, malaria and dengue fever. They are commonly found near standing water, such as ponds, puddles and water-holding containers, which serve as ideal breeding ground for them.
What to do?
- Remove any water-holding containers such as buckets, after raining.
- Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin as directed when going outside.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants before heading out.
- Install flyscreens to your home.
For more information about mosquitoes:
Fire Ants
Fire ants are especially active during the summer and early fall, but they can be active year-round. As temperatures rise, they begin to search for food. The Invasive Species Council warns that more than 95% of Australia has a climate suitable for fire ants! Their stings can be deadly to people and livestock.
What to do?
- Keep your floor clean, free of food crumbs and waste.
- Store food in sealed containers.
- Seal any cracks in your house.
- Create a barrier around the perimeter of your home and yard.
- Remove water-holding containers to discourage ants from gathering.
- Treat infestations immediately if you find any.
- Report any unusual ants, even if you are not sure. Call the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline at 1800 084 881.
For more information about fire ants:
Pollen
Spring season is a beautiful season, but it can also be a challenging time for many people who suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or may trigger asthma. Australia’s diverse flora, including native trees and introduced species such as grasses and weeds, contribute to fluctuating pollen levels across different regions.
What to do?
- Always check the pollen count forecast before leaving your house or planning activities for the next few days. Prepare your medication accordingly.
- Stay indoors when pollen count is high.
- Keeps windows and doors closed in buildings or vehicles, and use recirculated air conditioning to reduce pollen exposure.
- Don’t go out before, during and after thunderstorms.
- When outside, wear sunglasses and mask, and carry tissues or handkerchiefs.
- After being outside, shower and rinse your eyes with water.
- Research which plants triggers your hay fever and remove any of those plants.
For more information about pollen:
Dangerous Plants
Some dangerous plants may be lurking in your backyard or in gardens you visit with your child. These plants can be hazardous if touched or ingested. Awareness and proper handling of these dangerous plants are essential to prevent accidental poisoning or allergic reactions, especially in homes with children and pets.
What to do?
- Learn to identify dangerous plants
- Check your backyard and remove any hazardous ones.
- Teach your child about which plants are dangerous.
- Supervising your child and keep them away from dangerous plants.
- If someone might have eaten a poisonous plant, immediately call the Poisonous Information Centre on 131 126 for advice. They are available 24/7 across Australia.
For more information about dangerous plants:
It is crucial to take preventive measures to ensure children’s safety. Prevention is always better than cure. By taking proper precautions and being aware of these risks, you can create a safer environment for your child to enjoy outdoors during spring, giving you peace of mind.
