Snakes, spiders and mould confront residents after NSW floods

RNZ News

09-06-2025

By
Emma Siossian
, ABC News
Flooded residents have returned home to find snakes and spiders in their homes.
Photo:
Supplied / ABC News
Mud and mould are not the only issues facing those returning to their homes after major flooding on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.
Clybucca resident Julie Botfield was evacuated by boat with two of her children and their dogs during the height of the flooding in late May.
She said she was shocked by what she discovered at the rural property when she returned to inspect it a week and a half later.
"The snakes and spiders were an issue in me getting back in there," Botfield said.
"There were 30 snakes down in the shed alone … I wasn't expecting that many. It was really scary, my heart was racing the entire time, and it made the clean up so much harder as I didn't want to be bitten by a snake."
Botfield, a single mother, was assisted by Brenden Kendall, who lives near Kempsey and helps people needing snakes relocated.
"I saw a few baby snakes up and down the driveway just walking up to the property, some were still hiding in the shed," Kendall said.
"Once we got up to the shed, we ended up with a total of 30 snakes caught.
"There was a mixture of red-bellied black snakes, brown snakes … a whole mix of different ones … I've never seen that many like that."
Botfield, who rents the property, said she also had it treated for pests as the walls were covered in spiders.
"My house is a cream colour and when we evacuated it was brown on all sides, with the spiders covering the walls," she said.
"I had a pest man come [after the flood] … he said it was the worst property he has ever treated."
NSW Reconstruction Authority Recovery coordinator Dave Owens said it was not uncommon for animals to take refuge in uninhabited properties after floods.
"The animals are looking for somewhere safe and obviously residents are vacated," he said.
"So, when people go back in, it's not just the floodwater and mud on the ground, it's snakes, it's spiders, it's other creatures, so you need to be careful."
Spiders covered the walls of Julie Botfield's home at Clybucca as the floodwater rose.
Photo:
Supplied / ABC News
Botfield said the time it took before she was able to return and access the property meant that mould had also spread.
"The house was sitting in the water for quite some time, so now the mould has gone through the house, so it's just a big clean-up effort," she said.
"The storms and rain keep coming."
Owens said mould was a significant issue after a flood, and airing out impacted homes as soon as possible was vital.
"Open all doors and windows to let in fresh air and sunlight … reduce humidity by limiting humidifiers, indoor plants and unflued gas heaters," Owens said.
"To clean mould off surfaces, use detergent or diluted vinegar, four parts vinegar to one part water.
"For stubborn mould, you can use a diluted bleach solution but never mix vinegar and bleach."
A household cleaning expert has also recommended
oil of cloves for cleaning mould
.
North Coast Public Health Unit's environmental health officer David Basso said mould spores could cause health problems for people who were sensitive or allergic to them.
"If you are cleaning mould, wear protective clothing, rubber gloves and a mask, and ensure that you are trying to get as much ventilation as possible through your home,"
he said.
"The health effects from mould exposure can be a runny or blocked nose, irritation of the eyes and skin and difficulty breathing, particularly [in] people with asthma."
He said removing mould would be more challenging during winter.
"When we have adverse weather, it's difficult to maintain that proper airflow through your home," he said.
Julie Botfield and two of her children evacuated their home on a friend's boat during the floods.
Photo:
Supplied / ABC News
Owens said about 700 residential properties across the region were still deemed uninhabitable and the focus was on getting displaced families back home.
"It could be as simple as they've had water over the floor, and we need to get a sparkie [electrician] in to check it's safe and then they can move back in," he said.
"We have about 150 households in emergency accommodation. A lot of people have gone to family and friends, couch surfing is a term that's been used."
Botfield is currently staying with family and said she was prepared for a long road ahead.
"I've had Disaster Relief Australia out to help and they have been great … they even found another two snakes," she said.
"I want to show my kids we are strong and resilient, we've got this."
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ABC News