Spiders

There are about 40,000 different species of spider. They differ from insects in having 8 legs instead of 6 and two body sections instead of 3. Some species are ground dwelling, while others live above ground in and on plants and buildings. They prefer warm temperatures and moderate humidity.

Most spiders eat small insects, some use a web to trap their meal while others like the Australian White Tailed Spider rely only on predation. Being hunters, they are swift moving and scurry away when disturbed. Spiders can cause anxiety or phobias.

The bites of some spiders can be dangerous. The Funnel web is one of the most dangerous and the Redback is also poisonous to humans. In recent years, the development of anti-venom for these two has reduced bite fatalities. The White Tailed Spider has been implicated in the development of ulcers that are difficult to cure.

Simple Prevention

Spiders generally enter buildings through gaps in the construction like unscreened windows or spaces between doors and floors. Draught excluders fitted to doors can be an effective deterrent. Most spiders are nocturnal and therefor more active at night.

Common sense is the best way to avoid spider bites. Check bedclothes each night and if you leave clothes on the floor, shake them before getting dressed. Spiders can be easily removed into a glass jar and placed outside.

Switch off unneeded lights at night because they attract the insects that are food for spiders. Check pots and garden furniture before bringing them indoors and educate children about the danger of the Funnel web, White Tail and Redback in particular.

Despite their fearsome appearance, it's actually good to have a Huntsman around the house. These large, non-venomous spiders prey on the more dangerous White Tailed Spider as well as cockroaches and other crawling insects.