Spiders

Spiders are not insects

Spiders are creatures that belong to the Arachnida class, which also includes ticks, mites, scorpions, and harvestmen. They have eight jointed legs and two distinct body segments: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Spiders can be found in various habitats, from forests and grasslands to deserts and urban environments.

Most spiders are nocturnal, spending the day in their burrows or shelters. At night, they become active, hunting for prey or constructing webs to capture insects. Spiders can survive for extended periods without food, especially during winter when their metabolic rate slows down.

While the venom of most spiders is not harmful to humans, some species can inflict painful bites or even cause serious reactions in certain individuals. It’s important to exercise caution when encountering spiders, especially if you are allergic to their venom.

Commonly occurring spiders in Australia

There are over 40,000 spider species worldwide, with about 2,000 found in Australia. Australian spiders are classified into two main families: Araneomorphae and Mygalomorphae.

Araneomorphae are the most common spiders you’ll see around your home and garden. They make up about 45% of Australian spiders. These spiders have fangs that slope towards each other, allowing them to bite in various directions. Most Araneomorphae have a lifespan of about a year.

Mygalomorphae make up about 13% of Australian spider species. These spiders have large, parallel fangs and poor eyesight. They are typically burrow-dwelling and capture their prey near the entrance of their burrows. Mygalomorphae can live for up to 25 years.

Australian Araneomorphae families include:

Black and Grey House Spiders

Black and Grey House Spiders are common household spiders in Australia. They are dark brown to black (or grey) and prefer dry, secluded habitats. These spiders spin webs to capture prey and can be found in window frames, under eaves, and other sheltered areas.

While their bites are poisonous, they are rarely lethal. Symptoms of a bite include pain, sweating, muscle aches, vomiting, headaches, and dizziness. If you experience severe symptoms, seek medical attention. Black and Grey House Spiders are primarily found in Southern and Eastern Australia.

Garden Orb-Weaving Spiders

Garden Orb-Weaving Spiders are large spiders with a dark to light brown colour and a distinct pattern. They belong to the Master Weaver Spider family, which comprises about 17% of Australian spider species. 

These spiders are often found in garden areas around homes. They spin large, circular webs of 2 metres or more, typically between buildings and shrubs, to capture flying insects. Garden Orb-Weaving Spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite. Their venom is not toxic to humans. These spiders are widely distributed throughout Australia, particularly in bushland along the eastern coastal areas.

Huntsman Spiders

Huntsman Spiders are found throughout Australia. They are large, hairy spiders with a flattened body. They are typically buff to beige brown in colour with dark patches. Despite their intimidating appearance, Huntsman Spiders are shy and timid creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation. They are excellent climbers and can move sideways at a fast speed when disturbed.

Huntsman Spiders live under bark during the day and emerge at night. They often enter homes and can be found hiding under pictures, curtains, or sun visors of cars. While Huntsman Spiders can bite, they are not aggressive and rarely do so. Their bites are not toxic to humans but can cause localised pain and swelling.

Red-Back Spiders

Red-Back Spiders are small, black spiders with a distinctive red stripe on their abdomen. The red marking may not always be visible, especially in spiders that live in dark areas. These spiders are often found in outdoor areas, such as out-houses, toilets, letter boxes, around barbecues, in rubbish, and in dark places like subfloors and rock piles. They spin messy webs to capture prey.

Red-Back Spiders are highly venomous, with their venom attacking the nervous system. Even a small amount of venom can cause serious symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, hypertension, and in severe cases, paralysis and death.

Saint Andrew’s Cross Spider

Saint Andrew’s Cross Spiders are recognisable by their long legs and small cephalothorax. Their abdomen is striped yellow and brown. These spiders are known for their distinctive posture, hanging in their webs with their legs arranged in a cross shape.

These spiders are web-weavers and can often be found in garden areas during the summer. Saint Andrew’s Cross Spiders are not aggressive and their bites are not toxic to humans.

White-Tailed Spiders

White-Tailed Spiders have a cigar-shaped body with an oval cephalothorax. They are typically grey to black in colour with a distinctive white mark on the tip of their abdomen. These spiders prefer cool, moist locations and are often found in garden mulch areas. During the summer, they may wander into buildings, particularly bathrooms, to escape the heat. White-Tailed Spiders are nomadic and do not live in permanent webs. They actively search for prey, which often includes other spiders.

While White-Tailed Spider bites can cause pain, swelling, and blistering. However, bites combined with bacterial or fungal infections carried on the spider’s fangs may lead to ulcerative skin lesions. White-Tailed Spiders are more common in Southern Australia.

Wolf Spiders

Wolf Spiders are large spiders that can be found throughout Australia. They are mottled grey to brown in colour and often have a distinct Union Jack appearance on their back. These spiders are known for their rapid movement when disturbed. 

Most Wolf Spider species are wanderers, although some are ground dwellers and build burrows with a trapdoor-like lid. They can often be found around homes, in garden areas, or in burrows with a silk-lined entrance. While Wolf Spiders are not aggressive, they can bite if provoked. Their bites are poisonous but not typically lethal, and may result in localised pain or itchiness.

Australian Mygalomorphae families include:

Australian Tarantulas

Australian tarantulas, also known as whistling or barking spiders, are large spiders inhabiting a wide range of habitats from rainforests to deserts. They vary in colour from dark chocolate-brown to pale fawn and often have a silvery shine.

These spiders are carnivores and feed on other spiders, insects, frogs, and lizards. Australian tarantulas are typically found in burrows in the ground, which can be up to 100 cm deep. They may line their burrows with silk and often plug them during cold winter months or hot summer days. While Australian tarantulas are not aggressive, they can inflict a painful bite if provoked. 

Funnel-Web Spiders

There are over 35 species of Funnel-Web Spiders in Australia. These spiders have a shiny black colour with a dark purplish brown abdomen and reddish hairs. Funnel-Web Spiders live in moist, cool, and sheltered areas, such as under rocks and logs. Females typically live in burrows, while males are wanderers and may enter homes, footwear, clothing, or swimming pools.

The Sydney Funnel-Web Spider is one of the most dangerous spiders in the world, with both males and females carrying Atracotoxin, a highly toxic venom. These spiders are highly aggressive when disturbed or cornered and can inflict multiple bites with their hardened fangs. 

Mouse Spiders

Mouse Spiders are large spiders with a lifespan of 1-3 years. Female Mouse Spiders are ground dwellers and create burrows over 1m deep. Males are wanderers and can often be found on open ground, especially after rain or while searching for females. Mouse Spiders have toxic venom and their bites can be painful. However, they are not aggressive and biting incidents are rare.

Trapdoor Spiders

There are numerous species of Trapdoor Spiders in Australia. These spiders are typically brown to dark brown in colour and have a hairy body. Trapdoor Spiders are ground dwellers and create burrows lined with silk that can be up to 250mm deep and 25mm wide. They prefer drier locations and often plug the entrance of their burrows with a silken lid or other objects. 

These spiders are not aggressive and rarely bite. If bitten, the bite can be painful with localised swelling. However, their venom is not toxic to humans.

Signs of a Spider Infestation

• Spider webs: Spider webs can be found in various locations, including corners, ceilings, and plants.
• Spiders: You may see spiders crawling around your home or garden.

Problems Caused by Spiders

• Bites: Some spiders can inflict painful bites that may cause swelling, redness, and other symptoms. In rare cases, spider bites can be serious and may require medical attention.
• Fear and anxiety: The presence of spiders in homes can cause fear and anxiety for some people.

Solutions

Preventative measures

Preventing spiders from entering your home is crucial. Seal cracks and crevices, maintain a clean and clutter-free environment, and eliminate potential food sources for spiders. Additionally, reducing moisture in your home can discourage spiders from seeking shelter.

Reduce spider populations

To reduce spider populations, natural repellents like peppermint oil or citrus-scented cleaners can be used. Sticky traps can also be effective in capturing spiders. For severe infestations, consulting a professional pest control service is recommended.

How BUGZOFF Can Manage Spiders

Banish spiders from your home with BUGZOFF’s expert solutions. Our skilled technicians will meticulously inspect your property to pinpoint the type of spiders and the severity of the infestation. 

We’ll then craft a personalised treatment plan that targets spiders effectively and prevents future outbreaks. With BUGZOFF, you can enjoy a spider-free home. Our services include:

• Inspection and assessment
• Targeted treatments
• Preventive measures
• Ongoing monitoring and maintenance