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Australia is well known for its wildlife, and spiders often get more attention than they deserve. The reality is that most Australian spiders are harmless and play an important role in controlling insects around the home. While their appearance can be unsettling, the majority pose no serious risk to people
That said, a small number of spiders in Australia are considered medically significant. Understanding which spiders require caution, where they are commonly found, and how to respond safely helps homeowners stay informed and avoid unnecessary panic.
The vast majority of spiders found in Australian homes, such as huntsman spiders, wolf spiders, and garden orb weavers, are not dangerous to humans. Bites from these spiders are rare and usually cause only mild local irritation, similar to a bee sting.
In most cases, bites occur when a spider is accidentally trapped against the skin, such as inside shoes, gloves, clothing, or bedding. These spiders are not aggressive and will usually avoid contact if given the chance. In many situations, no professional pest control treatment is required, and simple removal is enough.
Only a small number of spiders in Australia are considered medically significant. These spiders require greater caution due to the potential severity of their bites.
Funnel-web spiders are regarded as one of the most dangerous spiders in Australia, particularly in eastern regions. They are typically found in gardens, bushland, leaf litter, under rocks, logs, and outdoor debris, and around swimming pools or damp areas. During warm or wet weather, they may also wander inside homes.
Funnel-web bites can cause serious symptoms, including intense pain, tingling or numbness, muscle spasms, and difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is essential if a funnel-web bite is suspected. In these situations, contacting emergency pest control services or a qualified pest exterminator can help manage the risk around the property while medical treatment is underway.
Redback spiders are common across Australia and are often found close to human activity. They are frequently located in sheds, garages, outdoor toilets, under outdoor furniture, inside letterboxes, and around cluttered or undisturbed spaces.
Redback bites can cause intense local pain, sweating, nausea, headache, and muscle pain that may spread from the bite site. While redback bites are rarely life-threatening, medical advice is recommended, particularly for children, elderly people, or those with underlying health conditions.
Medically significant spiders tend to favour dark, sheltered, and undisturbed areas. Around homes, they are most often found in garages, sheds, storage rooms, garden beds, woodpiles, compost areas, outdoor furniture, and rarely used equipment.
If spiders are appearing repeatedly in these areas, engaging a licensed spider exterminator or professional pest control provider can help identify nesting points and reduce ongoing activity.
Not all spider bites cause serious symptoms, but medical attention should be sought if the spider is suspected to be a funnel-web, if severe pain, breathing difficulty, or muscle spasms occur, if symptoms worsen over time, or if the bite involves a child, elderly person, or vulnerable individual.
In high-risk situations, arranging emergency pest control support can help limit further exposure while the medical issue is being addressed.
Simple prevention measures can reduce the likelihood of spiders around your property. These include shaking out shoes, gloves, and clothing before wearing them, keeping garages and sheds organised, sealing gaps around doors and windows, reducing garden clutter, and wearing gloves when gardening or handling firewood.
Local professionals such as Apex Pest Control can assist in identifying high-risk areas around the home and advising on practical steps to reduce spider activity, particularly in regions where funnel-web spiders are more common. A licensed pest exterminator can also help treat entry points and harbourage zones.
If you come across a spider, it is important to remain calm and avoid handling it with your bare hands. If you are confident, you can use a container and a piece of cardboard to safely capture and release the spider outdoors.
For repeated sightings of spiders that may be dangerous, seeking guidance from a local expert like Apex Pest Control or a qualified spider exterminator can help ensure the situation is managed safely. Avoid using aerosol sprays in hidden spaces, as this can cause spiders to move unpredictably and increase the risk of accidental contact.
No. Huntsman spiders are not dangerous and are unlikely to bite unless provoked.
Funnel-web spiders are usually glossy black or dark brown with a robust body and large fangs. They are often found in moist, sheltered areas.
Deaths from redback bites are extremely rare. Most bites cause pain and discomfort, but medical advice is still recommended.
No. Spiders usually bite only when threatened, trapped, or accidentally pressed against the skin
For harmless spiders, yes, if done carefully. For suspected dangerous species, professional assistance is safer.
Yes. Regular inspections and preventative treatments from providers such as Apex Pest Control or a licensed pest exterminator can help reduce spider habitats and entry points around residential properties.
