What Are the Most Dangerous Spiders in Australia? What to Do If You Found One in Your House?

Australia is renowned for its diverse and often startling wildlife, and spiders are no exception. From the intimidating Sydney Funnel Web to the more common yet still unsettling house spiders, encountering these eight-legged creatures can be a cause for concern.

Whether you’ve spotted a spider in your home or are simply curious about what to do if you find one, understanding the different types of spiders and knowing how to respond appropriately is crucial.

This guide will help you identify some of the most dangerous spiders in Australia, provide practical advice on handling spider encounters, and offer guidance on when it’s time to call pest control.

What Are the Most Dangerous Spiders in Australia?

Australia is known for its unique wildlife, and when it comes to spiders, there are a few that stand out as the most dangerous. While spider bites are relatively rare, it’s important to be aware of which species to look out for and what to do if you come across one. Below are some of the most dangerous spiders found in Australia.

1. Sydney Funnel-Web Spider (Atrax robustus)

The Sydney funnel-web spider is often considered the most dangerous spider in Australia and possibly the world. These spiders are found in New South Wales, particularly around Sydney. The funnel-web spider’s bite is highly toxic, containing a powerful venom that can be fatal if untreated.

Appearance and Habitat:
Funnel webs are dark, shiny spiders with a robust body. They build burrows lined with silk, usually in moist, shaded areas such as under rocks or logs.

Danger Level:
The bite of a male funnel-web is more toxic than the female’s, and symptoms can develop quickly, including severe pain, difficulty breathing, and muscle spasms. However, since the introduction of antivenom in the 1980s, no deaths have been recorded from a funnel-web bite.

2. Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)

The redback spider is another well-known dangerous spider in Australia. These spiders are found throughout the country and are often spotted in sheltered areas such as sheds, garages, and outdoor toilets.

Appearance and Habitat:
Redbacks are small, black spiders with a distinctive red or orange stripe on their back. They usually create messy, tangled webs in dry, sheltered places.

Danger Level:
While redback bites can be extremely painful and cause symptoms like nausea, sweating, and muscle aches, they are rarely fatal, especially with access to antivenom. However, it’s important to seek medical attention if bitten, particularly for children or the elderly.

3. Mouse Spider (Missulena)

Mouse spiders are often mistaken for funnel webs due to their similar appearance. These spiders can be found across Australia, and although their venom is toxic, bites from mouse spiders are not common.

Appearance and Habitat:
Mouse spiders are medium to large spiders with a bulky appearance. They are usually found in burrows, often near water or in drier areas.

Danger Level:
Their venom is similar to that of the funnel-web, but mouse spider bites are less aggressive and rarely result in serious harm. Nonetheless, it’s wise to seek medical attention if bitten.

4. White-Tailed Spider (Lampona)

White-tailed spiders are often blamed for causing severe skin reactions, although research suggests this is not common. They are widespread across Australia and are commonly found inside homes, hiding in bedding or clothing.

Appearance and Habitat:
These spiders are usually grey or black, with a distinctive white tip on their abdomen.

Danger Level:
While their bite can be painful and cause some swelling or irritation, it is not considered life-threatening. In most cases, symptoms resolve without serious complications.

5. Wolf Spider (Lycosidae)

Wolf spiders are common across Australia, and while they are not typically considered dangerous, their bite can still cause pain and discomfort.

Appearance and Habitat:
These spiders are brown and hairy, often found outdoors in gardens or grassy areas.

Danger Level:
Wolf spiders don’t pose a significant health risk, but their bite can cause redness, swelling, and mild pain. Medical treatment is usually not required unless an allergic reaction occurs.

What to Do If You Found These Eight Legs in Your House?

Finding a spider in your house can be unsettling, especially if it’s one of the more dangerous species. Here’s what you should do if you encounter these eight-legged creatures:

1. Stay Calm

First and foremost, try to stay calm. Most spiders, even the dangerous ones, will not attack unless provoked. Panicking may lead to hasty actions that could increase the risk of a bite.

2. Identify the Spider

If you can safely do so, try to identify the spider. Knowing whether it’s a dangerous species like the Sydney Funnel Web or a less harmful one can help you decide the best course of action. However, don’t attempt to handle the spider yourself if you’re unsure.

3. Do Not Attempt to Handle It

Avoid trying to catch or handle the spider with your bare hands. Use tools like a broom or a long stick to gently move it if necessary. If you’re unsure about handling it, it’s better to err on the side of caution and leave it alone.

4. Create a Barrier

If the spider is in a room, you can use a barrier like a towel, blanket, or fly screens to prevent it from moving into other parts of your home. This is particularly useful if you’re waiting for someone to help or if you plan to remove it yourself.

5. Contain the Spider

If possible, gently trap the spider in a container. Use a glass or jar and a piece of paper to cover the opening. This method is especially useful for less dangerous spiders or if you want to safely release the spider outside.

6. Call for Help

For dangerous spiders, especially those like the Sydney Funnel Web or Redback, it’s best to contact SWAT Pest Control Services. They have the expertise to safely handle and remove dangerous spiders from your home.

7. Keep the Area Secure

If you’ve found a dangerous spider, it’s wise to keep the area secure until help arrives. Make sure children and pets stay away from the area to avoid accidental contact with the spider.

8. Seek Medical Attention if Bitten

If you or anyone in your household is bitten by a spider, seek medical attention immediately. Even if the bite seems minor, it’s crucial to get it checked out, especially if you suspect it might be from a dangerous species. Symptoms like severe pain, muscle spasms, or difficulty breathing should be addressed promptly.

9. Prevent Future Encounters

After dealing with the spider, take steps to prevent future encounters. This includes:

• Regular Cleaning: Keep your home clean and free of spider webs. Spiders are often attracted to cluttered areas.
• Seal Entry Points: Check for and seal any cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and foundations where spiders might enter.
• Use Spider Repellents: Consider using natural spider repellents like essential oils (peppermint or citrus) or commercial spider repellents.

10. Educate Yourself and Others

Learn more about local spider species and educate family members, especially children, about how to avoid spider bites and what to do if they find a spider. Awareness and preparation can help reduce fear and improve safety.

Should You Call For Pest Control If You Find One?

Whether you should call pest control if you find a spider depends on a few factors:

1. Spider Identification

• Dangerous Species: If the spider is identified as a dangerous species, such as a Sydney Funnel-Web, Redback, or other venomous types, it’s a good idea to call pest control. These spiders require professional handling due to the risks they pose.
• Non-Dangerous Species: For common or less dangerous spiders, such as garden spiders or house spiders, you might not need to call pest control. These spiders are usually harmless and can often be dealt with using DIY methods.

2. Location and Frequency

• Single Encounter: If you find a spider only once and it appears to be a non-threatening species, you might handle it yourself or use a DIY method for removal.
• Recurring Issues: If you frequently encounter spiders or find multiple spiders, especially dangerous ones, calling pest control can help address a potential infestation and prevent future encounters.

3. Comfort and Safety

• Personal Comfort: If you’re uncomfortable dealing with spiders or unsure about handling them safely, it’s wise to call pest control. They can remove the spider and provide advice on preventing future problems.
• Safety Concerns: If the spider is in a location that’s hard to reach or in a space where handling it could be risky (e.g., high places or tight spaces), professional help can ensure the spider is removed safely.

4. Preventative Measures

• Ongoing Prevention: Pest control services can also offer preventative treatments and advice to minimize the likelihood of spiders entering your home in the future. This can include sealing entry points and treating potential nesting areas.

5. Health and Allergies

• Allergies: If someone in your household has severe allergies or a compromised immune system, it’s better to call pest control to avoid any risk associated with spider bites or the stress of dealing with the spiders yourself.

When to Call Pest Control:

• Dangerous or venomous spiders are present.
• You find multiple spiders or suspect an infestation.
• You are uncomfortable handling spiders or unsure about their identification.
• The spider is in a hard-to-reach or hazardous location.
• You want to implement long-term prevention measures.

In summary, while it’s not always necessary to call pest control for every spider sighting, doing so can provide peace of mind, especially if you’re dealing with dangerous species, frequent encounters, or if you prefer professional assistance in managing and preventing spider issues.

Conclusion

Encountering a spider in your home can be unsettling, but knowing the correct steps to take can help maintain calm and safety. While most spiders are harmless and can be managed with simple home remedies, venomous species like the Sydney Funnel-Web or Redback require professional help.

Understanding the types of spiders you might encounter and the appropriate actions to take enables effective management of such situations and prevents future issues.

If in doubt or uncomfortable handling the situation alone, it’s prudent to contact SWAT Pest Control services. Their expertise ensures your safety and peace of mind, keeping your home free from unwelcome spider inhabitants.