Spiders

Australia is home to a diverse range of spider species, some of which are notable for their distinctive appearances or potential risks. Here are some of the key types of spiders found in Australia:

Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)

• Appearance: Black with a distinctive red or orange stripe on the underside of the abdomen; females are larger and more venomous.
• Habitat: Commonly found in gardens, under rocks, and in outdoor sheds.
• Behavior: The bite can cause severe pain and systemic symptoms; while not usually fatal, it requires medical treatment.

Huntsman Spider (Family Sparassidae)

• Appearance: Large, with long, hairy legs and a flat body; colors range from brown to gray.
• Habitat: Commonly found in homes, gardens, and forests; they often hide under bark, in crevices, or behind furniture.
• Behavior: Generally non-aggressive; they hunt and feed on insects and can be beneficial for pest control.

Wolf Spider (Family Lycosidae)

• Appearance: Large, robust body with a hairy or spiny appearance; varies in color.
• Habitat: Found in a variety of environments, including gardens, under logs, and in leaf litter.
• Behavior: Hunts actively rather than spinning webs; not aggressive but can bite if threatened.

Garden Orb-Weaver (Eriophora transmarina)

• Appearance: Large and colorful with a distinctive pattern; often yellow or green with dark markings.
• Habitat: Common in gardens and bushland; spins large, circular webs.
• Behavior: Builds impressive orb-shaped webs to catch flying insects; generally non-aggressive towards humans.

Daddy Long-Legs Spider (Pholcidae family)

• Appearance: Small to medium-sized with long, thin legs and a small, round body; often pale or light-colored.
• Habitat: Inside homes, especially in corners and under furniture; also found in dark, damp environments.
• Behavior: Non-venomous to humans; builds irregular, tangled webs; feeds on small insects and other spiders.

Effectively managing spiders in your home involves a combination of preventive measures and targeted control strategies. Here are some practical tips from us, for spider control:

Maintain Cleanliness

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your home clean by vacuuming and dusting regularly. Spiders are attracted to clutter and dust, which provides hiding spots and prey.
• Remove Webs: Regularly remove spider webs and egg sacs using a vacuum or broom. This reduces their presence and prevents new webs from forming.

Reduce Clutter

• Declutter: Minimize clutter in and around your home, especially in areas like basements, attics, and closets. Spiders prefer dark, undisturbed places to build their webs.
• Organize Storage: Store items in plastic bins with lids rather than cardboard boxes, which can attract spiders and other pests.

Manage Landscaping

• Trim Vegetation: Keep plants and shrubs trimmed and away from the exterior of your home. This reduces the number of potential hiding spots and access points for spiders.
• Remove Debris: Clear away leaves, wood piles, and other debris near your home’s foundation where spiders may hide.