Spider Pest Control

Spiders are a common pest in all regions of Australia. From Sydney to Perth, these pests are spreading fear among households, with only a few of them actually being dangerous. But regardless of whether or not they are dangerous, you don’t have to deal with them yourself. You have us – your spider pest control experts! Find out more when you download our Spider Fact Sheet!

Found Spiders? Click here to view our Spider Identification Chart. Do not disturb them. Call your local Flick pest control expert.

Flick Home Protection plans make protecting your family and home from spiders and pests easier than ever. Our effective and affordable year round pest control plans include exclusive 12 month warranty. Spiders are included in our Gold, Silver and Bronze Home Protection Plans. Find out more here.

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From Preparation to Treatment

Spraying for spiders is effective in controlling an infestation but may not completely get rid of the problem, as they roam around hunting.

Have You Got Questions? Call us on 1300 270 019

The key to spider pest control is to treat the breeding and hiding sites. Flick pest technicians are experienced in treating spider infestations and will eliminate the problem at its core.

It’s important to spray a new home for spiders, as many of them come from the brickwork, or have been nesting during the construction process. Particularly the Redback spider, one of the most feared species.

Shield Your Family & Home Year Round from Spiders

Flick's Home Protection Plans

Flick’s Home Protection Plans provide effective and affordable year round protection for your home and family. Our Gold, Silver and Bronze plans include preventive measures to stop spiders from entering your home. All Home Protection plans come with a 12-month warranty* and easy affordable monthly payments. With a variety of Home Protection plans to choose from, you can find a plan that meets your specific needs and budget. Contact your local Flick branch to discuss which Home Protection is suitable to shield your home from spiders.

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Common Spider Questions

  1. How do spiders reproduce?

    Spiders create a silken sac into which they lay their eggs. Each sac contains about a hundred eggs (this varies with the species). The sac may be attached to something, concealed in the web or carried on the body of the female. If you spot a sac fixed somewhere in your home, that’s a sign that there will soon be more spiders!

  2. Which spiders can kill you?

    The most dangerous spiders in Australia are the Sydney Funnel-Web and the Redback spider. Neither of these spiders have killed anyone for almost 40 years, since anti-venom injections were introduced. However, both species can be aggressive if disturbed – particularly the male funnel-web. If you spot one of these spiders, stay away and call your local Flick technician.

  3. What other spiders are dangerous?

    White-tailed spiders, Mouse spiders, Trap door spiders – there are a number of spider species who can cause pain and swelling if they bite you. For the most part, they aren’t interested in humans and will not disturb you – unless you disturb them! All spiders should be treated with caution, particularly if you are having trouble identifying them.

  4. How do I control a spider infestation?

    Flick provides tailored treatments for different types of spiders, regardless whether they are webbing, crawling or deadly. You can trust our pest technicians to protect you and your family. By breaking the breeding cycle, you can also enjoy your property free from unsightly webs.

  5. Should I try and completely eliminate spiders?

    Not necessarily. Spiders are an essential part of the natural ecosystem. In gardens, spiders eat moths, flies, caterpillars and other pests that you may not wish to bother you. While you should be wary of spiders, often they’re more afraid of you!

Common Spiders

Garden Orb Spider

Appearance

Plump, triangular, hairy body. Female: 20-25mm; Male 5-10. Colours range from pale white through grey to dark brown, with patterns of spots, stripes and patches.

Lifestyle

The Garden Orb spider’s web is usually highly visible and strung between low trees, shrubs or parts of a building. They can cause distress to homeowners as they are unsightly. Although these spiders are docile, the bite may produce mild pain, nausea, dizziness and swelling around the bite. Call your local Flick technician for help removing an infestation.

Habits

The Garden Orb spider is a webbing spider that’s extremely common in gardens across Australia. It’s nocturnal and non-aggressive. During the day, the spider moves to an elevated retreat and may huddle under eaves and leaves. Occasionally it might surprise you between the folds of washing! They sit centrally on their webs at night.

Funnel Web Spider

Appearance

Shiny, dark brown to black with finger-like spinnerets at the end of their abdomen which spin silk. Have impressive fangs which they bare when threatened.

Lifestyle

They can wander into suburban environments and become trapped. They may even take shelter in a shoe! Their bites are dangerous, and first aid should be given immediately with a pressure bandage and immobilisation. The venom has a neurotoxin that attacks the human nervous system. However, there have been no fatalities since an antivenom was developed. Patients should be taken immediately to hospital.

Habits

Funnel-webs can be found in both urban areas and forests. They shelter under logs and rocks or anywhere they can find a cool and humid climate. Once they spot prey they will rush out – they eat beetles, cockroaches, lizards and snails. They trip up their prey with silken lines around their burrow.

Red Back Spider

Appearance

Female Redback spiders are black a distinct orange/red longitudinal stripe on the upper abdomen. They have an ‘hourglass’ shaped spot on the underside. The male’s markings are paler and less obvious.

Lifestyle

Redback spiders usually prey on insects, plus sometimes other spiders and small lizards. Male Redbacks do not produce a web but can be found on the fringe of a female’s web. Most males do not survive the deadly mating process, and only the female bite is deadly. Redback spider bites occur frequently in summer, although humans are not likely to be bitten unless a hand is put directly into the web. An antivenom is available.

Habits

A Redback spider’s web consists of a tangled, funnel-like area from which vertical, sticky threads run. They like being close to human habitation, with webs built in dry, sheltered sites. Usually these are in nature but sometimes they include sheds and toilets! They are more common in summer.

White Tail Spider

Appearance

Cylindrical in shape, females are 12-15mm, Male 5-8mm. Their bodies are grey or black with a white tip on the end, plus several white spots on the back.

Lifestyle

These spiders are vagrant hunters; instead of spinning webs and eating insects they feast on other spiders, including Daddy Long Legs, Redback Spiders and Black House Spiders. They are not aggressive but if provoked they will bite readily and repeatedly! Their bites can cause redness and blisters at the site of the bite, plus headaches, pain and itchiness.

Habits

White-tail spiders are crawling and hunting insects. They are found across both Australia and New Zealand and like to hide under stones, bark, leaves and under the bark of trees. They often enter homes in search of food and can be found lurking on walls at night.

Huntsman

Appearance

Body – 2.5cm. Legs: Approx. 12.7 cm (can be longer). Hairy and somewhat flattened, eyes arranged in 2 rows of four.

Lifestyle

Huntsman emerge at night to search for food and can enter homes during wet weather or when hungry. They often terrify spider haters because of their size and hairy appearance! However, bites rarely occur, and no known fatalities exist. They feed on other insects and can be considered useful for the ecosystem.

Habits

The huntsman is a crawling and hunting spider that has the ability to scuttle sideways easily with their long legs. Mostly non-aggressive, they will avoid defending themselves and prefer to escape from danger rather than fight. They shelter under bark or in a warm, moist hiding place.