Spiders are a common sight in many Australian homes, but not all spiders are harmful. At Pest Control Services NSW, we provide expert spider control to help you understand and deal with these arachnids effectively. Some spiders may be beneficial in controlling other pests, while others may pose risks to your health. Knowing the different types of spiders can help you take the right approach to manage them in your home.
Here are some of the most common types of spiders found in Australian homes and businesses:
1. Sydney Funnel-Web Spider (Atrax robustus)
- Appearance: Shiny, black, with a stocky body and large fangs.
- Size: Females can grow up to 3-4 cm, while males are smaller.
- Habitat: Commonly found in gardens, under rocks, logs, and in burrows near homes.
- Behavior: Known for their aggressive nature, Sydney Funnel-Web Spiders are dangerous and can be a serious health risk due to their venom. They usually stay in burrows and are territorial.
2. Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)
- Appearance: Black body with a distinctive red stripe on the abdomen.
- Size: About 1 cm in body length, with a leg span of around 3-4 cm.
- Habitat: Often found in sheltered areas such as sheds, under outdoor furniture, and in dark corners around the home.
- Behavior: Redback spiders are venomous and can bite if provoked. Though the bites are rarely fatal, they can cause severe pain and other symptoms. These spiders prefer dry, secluded spaces and are more active in the warmer months.
3. White-Tailed Spider (Lampona cylindrata)
- Appearance: Dark brown or grey with a white spot on the end of their abdomen.
- Size: Around 1.5 cm in body length.
- Habitat: Found in dark areas like cupboards, behind furniture, and in cracks and crevices around the home.
- Behavior: White-tailed spiders are known for their painful bite, which can cause localised swelling and redness. They are usually harmless but can cause irritation, especially if they bite.
4. Brown Huntsman Spider (Isopeda species)
- Appearance: Brown or grey with a flattened body and long, spindly legs.
- Size: Females can grow up to 2.5 cm in body length, while males are smaller.
- Habitat: Huntsman spiders are commonly found inside homes, often under furniture or in hidden corners.
- Behavior: Huntsman spiders are fast-moving and tend to be shy, retreating when disturbed. They are not aggressive and generally do not pose a threat to humans, though they can startle people with their sudden movements.
5. Wolf Spider (Lycosa species)
- Appearance: Brown or grey with distinctive dark markings on their bodies.
- Size: Medium to large, ranging from 1 to 3 cm in body length.
- Habitat: Wolf spiders are ground dwellers and can be found in gardens, under rocks, and inside homes.
- Behavior: These spiders are not aggressive and do not build webs. Instead, they hunt for prey, often pouncing on it. They may bite in self-defense, but their bites are not dangerous to humans.
6. Cat-faced Spider (Araneidae species)
- Appearance: Named for the appearance of their abdomen, which resembles a cat’s face, often with distinctive markings.
- Size: Around 2-3 cm in body length.
- Habitat: Found in gardens and outdoor areas, particularly in webs built in shrubs or trees.
- Behavior: Cat-faced spiders are harmless and not aggressive. They build large, tangled webs and primarily feed on insects. They are non-venomous and pose no risk to humans.
7. Garden Orb-Weaver Spider (Araneidae species)
- Appearance: Round-bodied spiders with brightly colored markings in shades of yellow and orange.
- Size: About 2 cm in body length, with a leg span of 5-6 cm.
- Habitat: Commonly found in gardens and outdoor areas, where they create large, circular webs.
- Behavior: Orb-weavers are non-aggressive and primarily feed on flying insects. Their large, visible webs are often found in bushes and trees. They are harmless to humans.
8. Tarantula (Selenocosmia species)
- Appearance: Large, hairy spiders, typically brown or black, with distinctive large fangs.
- Size: Can have a leg span of up to 25 cm, making them one of the largest spider species.
- Habitat: Found in dry, secluded places such as under rocks and in burrows.
- Behavior: While tarantulas are not venomous enough to harm humans, their large size and intimidating appearance can be alarming. They are slow-moving and generally docile but may bite in self-defense.
How to Control Spiders:
While most spiders are harmless, it’s important to take precautions to avoid unwanted infestations. Here’s how to manage spider populations around your home:
- Seal Gaps and Cracks: Spiders can enter through small gaps, so ensure windows, doors, and walls are sealed properly.
- Declutter: Spiders love hiding in dark, undisturbed areas. Regular cleaning and decluttering reduce their hiding spots.
- Reduce Insects: Since spiders feed on insects, reducing the insect population around your home can help keep spiders away.
- Professional Pest Control: If you’re dealing with a spider infestation or encountering venomous spiders like the Sydney Funnel-Web or Redback, it’s essential to contact a professional pest control service for safe and effective removal.
If you have concerns about spiders in your home or business, Pest Control Services NSW can provide expert advice and pest control solutions. Contact us today to ensure your property remains safe, comfortable, and spider-free.
