How to decide when to call professional spider control services?

There are many different spiders that can be found in and around homes and gardens in Melbourne and regional Victoria. Whilst most are harmless and nothing more than a frightening nuisance, it’s the ones with their venomous bite that we worry about.  In fact, Australia has some of the most venomous spiders in the world.  Whilst the reports of life threatening spider bites is low, it nevertheless still exists and due care should be taken.

Australian Venomous Spiders – The ones to watch out for

Spider control begins with identification of the spider. It’s colour markings, body form and web are important factors in determining potential harm. Australian spiders with venomous bite include the Funnel-Web, the Mouse, the Red-Back and the White Tail spiders. The people who are at increased risk include young children, elderly and those with heart conditions.

Scary looking, but relatively harmless include the Black House, Huntsman and Wolf Spider.

Symptoms of a spider bite

Depending on the type of spider responsible for the bite, symptoms may include

• pain (mild to severe)
• redness and itching
• nausea and/or vomiting
• sweating
• dilated pupils
• uncontrollable muscle spasms
• unconsciousness

Spider Bite First Aid

If you are concerned that you have been bitten by a venomous spider, dial 000.

It is important to be able to identify the spider.  Take a photo with your iPhone OR safely catch the spider in a jar with an enclosed lid.  If using a jar, trap the spider in the jar, then slid cardboard under to seal the top, flip the jar and apply the screw top lid.

Alternatively, if you can describe the size, colour, district body markings and where the spider was residing, this is helpful in determining the appropriate course of treatment.

Melbourne venomous spiders

To reduce your risk of receiving a venomous spider bite, it is important to be familiar and ‘watch out’ for the kinds of spiders most likely to reside in your area.

WHITE-TAILED – this nocturnal spider has a propensity for cooler areas.  Indoors people commonly find them in tiles areas such as bathrooms and laundries.  The may also hide in clothes, shoes, sheets and towels left lying on the floor…  When outside, the white tail spider can be found under bark, logs and leaves…

RED-BACK – likes to reside in man made shelters such as sheds, under staircases, under bike seats and outdoor furniture.  The red back is not aggressive but will bit if feeling threatened.  The spider sits in a spun cone at the top of the web.  Disturbances to the web will provoke a bite.

MOUSE – can be found near water in ground holes.  The male can be distinguished from the female by its red coloured jaw and bluish-white markings on the abdomen.

FUNNEL WEB – Commonly reported in the Dandenong Ranges.  In late Autumn and Spring the male wanders in search of females and may be found inside homes and buildings.  The spider forms strands of ‘trip wire’ silk. Disturbances cause the spider to pounce and bite.

Helpful advice to avoid a spider bite

• don’t leave clothes and belongings lying on the floor
• always shake out shoes, particularly if left in the garage/shed
• when gardening, wear gloves, long trousers and shoes
• educate children not to touch spiders
• avoid touching spider webs
• if necessary, remove spider webs with a stick
• don’t ever assume a spider is dead and therefore harmless

How to spider proof your home

It’s impossible to eradicate all spiders, but it is possible to significantly reduce the chance of them residing in and around your home or place of business.  Some precautions you can take include

• install fly screens on doors and windows
• clear trees, bushes and climbers away from the house
• keep car windows closed and avoid parking close to bushy areas
• pour boiling water down a suspected spider hole
• seal cracks and fit draught stoppers
• spraying insecticides outside may cause spiders to move inside