Spiders are ancient invertebrates that have fascinated and frightened people for centuries. They are found across Australia and play an important role in nature by helping control insect populations. Australia is home to around 3,600 known spider species, although only a small number are considered dangerous to humans. Spiders belong to the arachnid family, rather than the insect group, but both are part of the arthropods, a large group of animals characterised by jointed legs and a hard external skeleton.
While most spiders in Australiaare harmless, some species can deliver bites that may cause pain, sweating, nausea and, in severe cases, more serious symptoms such as paralysis. This is one reason many homeowners, particularly those with young children, prefer to keep spiders under control. If spiders are becoming a regular problem around your property, professional pest control can help identify the source and deal with the infestation. In this guide, we’ll cover common Australian spiders, how to identify them and practical ways to prevent them from entering your home.
Let’s have a look.
Types of Spiders in Australia and their Identification
Here are some of the most common spiders found in Australia and how to identify them.
1. Redback Spider
Lifecycle and Habits
Redback spiders are active throughout much of the year, with females reaching maturity in around two to three months. Between September and May, a female can produce three to eight egg sacs, each containing up to 300 eggs. However, only a small number of spiderlings survive, as they may eat one another or fall victim to parasitic wasps. Females can live for two to three years, while males generally survive for only six or seven months.
These spiders prefer dark, dry, sheltered places. Outdoors, they may be found beneath rocks, logs and other debris, while around homes they often hide under roof eaves, floorboards, shelves, flower pots and inside garden sheds. Their messy, triangular webs contain sticky strands that help trap prey.
Identification
Female redbacks are usually black with a noticeable red or orange stripe or marking on the abdomen, although the pattern can vary. Females can reach around 15 mm in length, while males are much smaller, generally growing to about 5 mm. Males also have more detailed markings, often featuring white and yellow patterns.
2. White-Tailed Spider
Lifecycle and Habits
White-tailed spiders usually lay their eggs inside a small, disc-shaped silk sac, which can hold up to 90 eggs. The female chooses a dark, protected spot for the sac and stays nearby to guard it until the spiderlings hatch. These spiders are mainly active at night when their preferred prey is also on the move. They hunt other spiders, including daddy long-legs, redbacks and black house spiders, rather than relying on webs to catch food. During warmer months, particularly through summer and autumn, white-tailed spiders may enter homes while searching for prey and suitable shelter. Outdoors, they commonly hide beneath bark, rocks, fallen leaves and logs, as well as around gardens and other sheltered areas.
Identification
White-tailed spiders are generally dark red, grey or brownish in colour, with legs that may show darker orange bands. Young spiders often have two pairs of faint white spots and another white marking near the tip of the abdomen. Adult males can grow to about 12 mm, while females may reach around 18 mm.
3. Black House Spiders (black spider)
Lifecycle and Habits
Female black house spiders in Australiabuild several white, silk egg sacs inside the protected retreat of their webs. They remain close to the sacs and guard the eggs until the spiderlings hatch and eventually leave to find their own shelter. These spiders generally reach maturity during summer and can live for around two years. Black house spiders build messy, lace-like sheet webs with a funnel-shaped entrance. Their webs are commonly seen on tree trunks, fallen logs, rock walls and buildings, especially around window frames, cracks and other sheltered spaces. They are also frequent visitors around homes, where they may build webs in dark corners of verandas, sheds and fences. Females usually stay within their webs and repair them regularly. As fresh silk is added over time, older webs can develop a grey, woolly appearance.
Identification
Black house spiders are sturdy spiders with a body length of about 1–1.5 cm. Their carapace and legs are typically dark brown to black, while the abdomen is charcoal grey. Pale markings on the back may be visible but are sometimes quite faint.
4. Daddy Long Legs Spider
Lifecycle and Habits
Daddy long-legs spiders are commonly found in urban areas, particularly around houses, garages and sheds. They build loose, irregular webs in quiet, sheltered corners where they can remain undisturbed. The female lays her eggs and may carry them in her palps, the small structures located near the mouth and fangs. These spiders feed on small insects and other spiders that become trapped or wander into their webs. Although their webs can be a nuisance when they appear indoors, daddy long-legs spiders are generally harmless to people and are not considered dangerous.
Identification
Daddy long-legs spiders are easy to recognise because of their extremely long, slender legs compared with their small bodies. Adults typically measure around 7–9 mm in body length. Their delicate appearance and habit of hanging in loose webs often make them noticeable inside homes and other buildings.
Prevention Tips
A few simple habits around your home can make it less attractive to spiders and reduce the chances of unwanted encounters.
1. Keep your home clean and clutter-free
Spiders are more likely to settle where they can find food and undisturbed hiding spots. Keeping your home clean and organised can make these areas less appealing. Regularly vacuum corners, clean behind furniture and avoid leaving piles of boxes, clothes or other clutter untouched for long periods. Store food properly to reduce insects, which are a major food source for spiders. Pay particular attention to dark, quiet areas such as cupboards, garages, storage spaces and corners where webs can easily go unnoticed.
2. Seal cracks and gaps around your home
Small gaps around doors, windows and walls can provide easy entry points for spiders and other pests. Inspect your home regularly and seal noticeable cracks or openings with suitable materials. Check window frames, door seals and areas where pipes or cables enter the building. Don’t overlook vents and duct openings, as insects and spiders can sometimes enter through these spaces. Keeping these potential entry points properly sealed can make it much harder for spiders to find their way indoors.
3. Remove spider webs regularly
Removing spider webs as soon as you notice them can discourage spiders from settling in the same area. Use a vacuum, duster or suitable cleaning tool to clear webs from ceilings, corners, windows, sheds and other sheltered spaces. Regular cleaning is particularly important in areas that are rarely disturbed. Do not forget outdoor spaces likefences, garages and verandas. By removing webs and keeping these areas clean, you can make your property less comfortable for spiders and reduce the likelihood of them establishing themselves.
4. Keep your garden well maintained
A neglected garden can provide plenty of hiding places for spiders. Regularly trim overgrown shrubs, remove piles of leaves and clear away unnecessary vegetation around your property. Keep compost, firewood and garden waste away from walls and entrances where possible. Maintaining your lawn and keeping outdoor areas tidy also reduces the number of sheltered spots where spiders can hide or build webs. When working in sheds, gardens or areas containing piles of debris, wear appropriate protective clothing and take care when moving stored materials.
5. Consider professional spider control services
If spiders are becoming a persistent problem or you discover potentially dangerous species around your property, professional help may be the safest option. Experienced pest control technicians can assess the property, identify areas where spiders are entering or sheltering and recommend appropriate treatment. This can be particularly useful when dealing with venomous spiders or a recurring infestation that hasn’t improved with routine cleaning and maintenance. Rather than attempting to handle potentially dangerous spiders yourself, consider contacting a qualified pest control professional for advice and safe removal.
The Final Word
Keeping spiders away from your home starts with simple, consistent prevention. Regular cleaning, sealing entry points, maintaining your garden and removing webs can make your property less inviting to spiders. If spider activity continues or dangerous species are found, professional pest control can provide a safer and more effective solution.
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