Redbacks, white-tails, huntsmen and black house spiders, and what to do about a bite.
Redback spiders
Black with a red or orange stripe on the back. They like dry, sheltered places such as letterboxes, sheds, outdoor furniture and children’s play equipment. Their bite can cause severe pain and needs medical attention.
White-tailed spiders
Slender, dark grey spiders with a white tip on the tail. They hunt other spiders and often wander indoors. Bites usually cause a burning pain and redness. Claims that they cause flesh-eating ulcers have not been supported by research.
Huntsman spiders
Large, fast and alarming, but generally harmless. They often come inside before rain. If you want one gone, a container and a piece of card does the job.
Black house spiders
Dark, stocky spiders that build messy, lacy webs in window frames, brickwork and eaves. Their bite can be painful but is rarely serious.
If you’re bitten
For a redback bite, apply a cold pack and get medical advice. Don’t use a pressure bandage. For any bite, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice, or Triple Zero (000) if the person is very unwell.
Fewer spiders around the house
- Clear webs from eaves and window frames regularly
- Store gloves and shoes indoors, or shake them out first
- Keep woodpiles and rubbish away from the house
- Book a spider treatment before the warmer months, when they’re most active
This guide is general information only. For a problem in your home, book an inspection with a licensed technician.