Dangerous Australian Spiders: Identification, Prevention & Professional Control
Australia hosts some of the world's most venomous spiders. Learn to identify dangerous species, understand their behavior, and discover professional control methods to keep your family safe.
🚨 EMERGENCY SPIDER BITE PROTOCOL
If bitten by a suspected venomous spider:
- Call 000 immediately for funnel-web bites
- Apply pressure bandage for funnel-web bites
- Collect the spider if safely possible
- Seek medical attention for all unknown spider bites
- Do NOT apply pressure bandage for redback bites
Table of Contents
Deadly Venomous Species
Sydney Funnel-Web Spider
Scientific Name: Atrax robustus
Size: Body 15-35mm, leg span up to 70mm
Color: Dark brown to black, glossy appearance
Habitat: Moist areas, under rocks, in gardens
Distribution: Sydney region, Blue Mountains
Danger Level: EXTREMELY HIGH
Key Identification:
- • Large, prominent fangs
- • Aggressive defensive posture
- • Builds funnel-shaped webs
- • Males more dangerous than females
Other Funnel-Web Species
Blue Mountains Funnel-Web: Hadronyche versuta
Northern Tree Funnel-Web: Hadronyche formidabilis
Southern Tree Funnel-Web: Hadronyche cerberea
Distribution: Eastern Australia
Behavior: Males wander seeking mates (dangerous period)
Seasonal Risk:
Peak danger during summer months when males are actively searching for mates.
Medically Significant Spiders
Redback Spider
Scientific Name: Latrodectus hasselti
Size: Female 10mm body, male 3-4mm
Color: Black with distinctive red marking
Habitat: Dry, sheltered locations
Distribution: Throughout Australia
Web: Messy, irregular web structure
Bite Symptoms:
- • Intense pain at bite site
- • Sweating and nausea
- • Muscle weakness
- • Antivenom available
White-Tail Spider
Scientific Name: Lampona cylindrata
Size: 12-17mm body length
Color: Dark grey with white spot on abdomen
Habitat: Under bark, in houses
Behavior: Nomadic hunter, no web
Diet: Preys on other spiders
Bite Effects:
Painful bite with potential for skin necrosis. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop.
Mouse Spider
Scientific Name: Missulena species
Size: 10-35mm body length
Color: Black, brown, or blue-black
Habitat: Burrows in soil
Distribution: Throughout Australia
Venom: Similar to funnel-web
Behavior: Less aggressive than funnel-webs
Treatment: Funnel-web antivenom effective
Common Household Spiders
Huntsman Spider
Size: Leg span up to 160mm
Color: Brown, grey, or mottled
Behavior: Fast-moving, non-aggressive
Danger: LOW - Beneficial predator
Bite: Painful but not dangerous
Wolf Spider
Size: 10-35mm body
Color: Brown with patterns
Behavior: Ground-dwelling hunter
Danger: LOW-MEDIUM
Identification: Carries egg sac
Orb Weaver
Size: 5-25mm body
Color: Highly variable
Web: Classic circular web
Danger: VERY LOW
Benefit: Excellent pest control
Quick Identification Guide
| Spider | Size | Key Features | Danger Level | First Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funnel-Web | 15-35mm | Large fangs, aggressive | EXTREME | Call 000, pressure bandage |
| Redback | 10mm (F) | Red marking, messy web | HIGH | Ice pack, seek medical help |
| White-Tail | 12-17mm | White spot, no web | MEDIUM | Clean wound, monitor |
| Huntsman | 160mm span | Large, fast-moving | LOW | Basic wound care |
Professional Control Methods
Why Professional Spider Control?
Spider control requires species identification, targeted treatments, and safety protocols. Professional technicians have the expertise and equipment to safely eliminate dangerous spiders.
Treatment Methods
- •Residual Sprays: Long-lasting barrier treatments around entry points and hiding spots
- •Dust Applications: Targeted treatment for wall cavities and roof spaces
- •Web Removal: Physical removal of webs and egg sacs
- •Habitat Modification: Recommendations to reduce spider-friendly environments
Safety Protocols
- •Species Identification: Proper identification before treatment selection
- •Protective Equipment: Professional-grade safety gear for technicians
- •Safe Chemical Handling: Licensed application of professional products
- •Follow-up Inspections: Monitoring for treatment effectiveness
Prevention & Safety Strategies
Indoor Prevention
- • Regular vacuuming of corners and crevices
- • Seal cracks and gaps around windows and doors
- • Remove clutter and storage boxes from floors
- • Check shoes and clothing before wearing
- • Install door sweeps and window screens
- • Reduce indoor lighting that attracts prey insects
Outdoor Prevention
- • Remove wood piles and debris near buildings
- • Trim vegetation away from exterior walls
- • Eliminate standing water sources
- • Use outdoor lighting strategically
- • Regular inspection of garden areas
- • Professional perimeter treatments
Safety Tips for High-Risk Areas
- • Wear gloves when gardening
- • Use a torch when checking dark areas
- • Shake out bedding and towels
- • Check pool equipment before handling
- • Inspect outdoor furniture before use
- • Be cautious around compost bins
- • Check children's play equipment
- • Never handle spiders with bare hands
Spider Problem? Get Professional Help
Don't risk dangerous spider encounters. T47 Pest Control provides safe, effective spider control with same-day service across Australia.