Spiders are commonly found around homes and workplaces, particularly where insects, shelter and suitable web-building sites are available. Most are not dangerous to people, but frequent sightings, extensive webbing or medically significant species may require attention.
This guide explains how to reduce spider activity, when professional spider control may be appropriate and what to do if someone is bitten.
The Dangers of Spiders
Most Australian spiders are unlikely to cause serious harm to people. However, bites from funnel-web spiders and some related large black spiders can cause severe and potentially life-threatening envenomation.
Redback spider bites commonly cause local pain, sweating and redness. Pain can become severe or persist, but a redback bite should not generally be described as a wound that takes months to heal.
Funnel-web and redback spiders have caused deaths in Australia in the past. However, the Australian Museum reports that there have been no deaths from a confirmed spider bite in Australia since 1979. Funnel-web bites must still be treated as a medical emergency because the venom can act rapidly.
The level of risk depends on the species, location and circumstances. A single harmless spider outdoors does not necessarily indicate an infestation or require pesticide treatment.
How To Get Rid of Spiders
Step 1: Assess the Spider Safely
Identification can help determine whether a spider presents a medical risk and whether treatment is necessary. However, do not handle, corner or attempt to capture a large black spider or any spider you cannot identify safely.
If possible, take a clear photograph from a safe distance and note where the spider or web was found. Web type and location may also help a pest technician identify likely activity.
Do not assume that colour or size alone confirms the species. Funnel-web spiders can be confused with other large, dark spiders. In eastern Australia, a bite from an unidentified large black spider should be treated as a suspected funnel-web bite until medically assessed.
Step 2: Reduce Harbourage, Insect Prey and Entry Points
Reduce clutter in garages, sheds, storerooms and other areas where spiders can remain undisturbed. Vacuum accessible webs and egg sacs indoors, then empty the vacuum contents into a sealed bag outside.
Repair damaged flyscreens and seal suitable gaps around doors, windows, vents and service penetrations. Keep vegetation from pressing against external walls and avoid leaving shoes, gloves or clothing outside where spiders may shelter.
Spiders often remain where insect prey is available. Cleaning food residue, managing other insects and reconsidering bright exterior lighting near entrances may help reduce the conditions attracting spiders.
Wear gloves and closed footwear when moving stored items, firewood, outdoor furniture or garden materials. Do not place bare hands into concealed spaces.
Step 3: Arrange Professional Spider Control if Needed
Consider professional treatment if spider activity is persistent, webs repeatedly return in high-use areas or redback and other potentially dangerous spiders are found around play equipment, sheds, outdoor furniture or workplaces.
A technician can inspect likely harbourage areas and recommend treatment based on the species, location and property conditions. Depending on the inspection findings, this may include web removal, targeted pesticide application and recommendations for reducing entry points or insect prey.
Any pesticide must be used only in the situations permitted by its approved label. Treatment can reduce spider activity, but it cannot guarantee that spiders will never return.
What to Do After a Spider Bite
First aid depends on the suspected spider. Do not apply the same treatment to every spider bite.
For a suspected funnel-web or unidentified large black spider bite:
- Call Triple Zero (000) immediately
- Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage
- Keep the person lying down and as still as possible
- Immobilise the bitten limb
- Do not wash the bite area
- Do not attempt to catch the spider
For a suspected redback spider bite:
- Apply a cold pack wrapped in cloth
- Do not use a pressure immobilisation bandage because this may increase the pain
- Contact the NSW Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26 for advice
- Seek medical care if pain is severe, symptoms spread or the person is unwell
For other suspected spider bites, wash the area and apply a cold pack. Seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, worsening or uncertain.
Spider Control Newcastle
Dealing with a spider infestation can be frustrating, but there are steps you can take to get rid of them quickly and effectively. The steps in this guide can reduce spider harbourage, entry points and insect prey around the property. However, spiders may return when suitable conditions remain. If you need help with persistent spider activity, contact Newcastle Pest Exterminators to arrange professional spider control.
