Australian Spiders
As an established pest control company, we are well aware of the majority of pests, some more dangerous than others. In this line of thought, we have to admit that Australia is home to a lot of deadly animals, one of which is the spider.
With over 10,000 different species roaming around the continent, spiders are the most widely spread venomous creatures in the country.
That’s precisely why we feel the need to give you more information on the topic, which will hopefully prove helpful during your next encounter with one of these crawling creatures. So, let's go over some of the most common house spiders in Australia, some of which are dangerous while others are just scary.
Common Australian House Spiders
Australian Recluse Spider
The Australian recluse spider can be quite dangerous. Found throughout the country with size between 6 and 20 millimetres, its venom can cause damage to the blood and skin.
Most bites are minor and aren’t accompanied by necrosis, however, there are also more serious cases. You must visit a doctor immediately after a bite and, if possible, collect the spider.
However, the good news is that these spiders have pretty small fangs and are rarely aggressive to humans.
Image by Grimplet from Shutterstock.com
Trapdoor Spiders
While not so dangerous to people, these types of spiders sure look intimidating. The trapdoor spiders can grow up to 3,5 cm without the leg span, which makes it a pretty big species. The female spider is bigger than the male, and this type of spider can vary in colour. It can be dull brown, black, and golden in colour. Although not hihgly venomous, its bite can be quite painful and cause swelling and redness.
Read more about the trapdoor spiders in Australia.
Image by Peter Waters from Shutterstock.com
Golden Orb Spider
The Golden orb spider can be found in places like Asia, America, Africa and Australia. The biggest ever members of this species, though, have been found in Australia.
Usually, the Golden orb spider is about 12 cm, including leg span.
Also known as a banana spider, the venom of this little creature is potent, similar to the Black Widow Spider, however, not deadly to humans.
Still, It can cause redness, pain, and blisters that will go away after about 24 hours.
Image by Kathryn Willmott from Shutterstock.com
Australian Jumping Spider
With size from 3 to 20 mm, the Australian jumping spider is commonly mistaken for an ant. In fact, it is a small black spider that usually moves slowly, but when hunting is capable of very agile jumps. The venom of this spider is non-lethal to humans, which is good news considering it is often sighted in or around homes.
The Australian jumping spiders have one of the best-developed eyesight in the insect world.
The easiest way to recognise them is by their eyes. They always have 4 eyes with the middle ones being larger than the outer eyes. This set of four eyes gives the jumping spider a 360-degree view.
Image by BineArnold from Shutterstock.com
Wraparound Spider
First discovered around 1886, the Wraparound spider takes its name from its ability to wrap its body around trees and branches to camouflage itself.
It has the amazing ability to change its form in order to hide. It's not venomous to humans.
The Wraparound spider is 5 to 8mm big, depending on if it’s a male or female. Both have concave bellies that allow them to change themselves to a certain shape.
Image by Katarina Christenson from Shutterstock.com
What are the signs of a spider infestation?
Seeing the spiders is the most telling sign. However, as they like to hide in moist and dark places like attics, basements and the like, it may be hard to realise right away that you have a spider infestation problem. Here are what other signs you can look for:
- Spider webs all-around your property - Most likely, this would be one of the first signs, as spiders use webs for hunting, getting to a higher place or egg protection. They can differ in shape per species.
- Outdoor burrows - Not all spiders like to live in high places, some prefer to stay on the ground and build burrows. Such is the case with the Melbourne trapdoor spider. Those are most likely to be found in your garden.
- Increased number of insects - Not so much a sign, but an attraction for the crawling creatures. If you have suspicions that spiders are infesting your place, then it is most likely to find them where insects are present.
Although spiders are known to be natural pest control agents, having a lot of them can put you and your family at risk, depending on the type of species you are dealing with. High spider presence might also indicate that you have another pest living in your home. Spiders usually enter a house only because they can find prey to feed on there.
Check also: How to Identify Cockroach Eggs
What to do if you find a spider in your home?
Your first thought might be to kill the spider or run, depending on its size. If you stumble across one of the harmless house spiders, you can easily take care of them with the help of a vacuum cleaner or a broom.
If the spider is bigger or seems more menacing, it’s important to keep your distance while also trying to examine and identify the species. If you ever find yourself face to face with a venomous spider, regardless of the size, then we advise you to call an expert right away and not risk removing the eight-legged creature from your home by yourself.
Also, keep in mind that killing one spider does not necessarily mean you've handled the infestation (if there is a serious infestation going). Unless you're ready to repeat the same exercise again and again, it would be best to think of a more permanent and guaranteed solution, such as an inspection and treatment from a pest controller.