What to Know About Spiders in Queensland and How to Keep Them Out
If you live in Queensland, chances are you've crossed paths with one of our eight-legged locals. From the well-known redback potentially hiding under the BBQ to the large huntsman appearing in your car. Spiders are part of the Aussie experience, whether we like it or not. Although they may appear scary, not all spiders are bad news. In fact, some are surprisingly helpful.
Knowing which spider is which can help you decide if they pose a risk or if they are just minding their own business. Here is some knowledge into the usual suspects and how to keep your home safe, spider-free(ish), and a little less jumpy.
Redback Spider
You don’t have to be an arachnophobe to get nervous around a redback. Females are easy to spot with their black body and signature red stripe. You’ll often find them in dry, sheltered areas like garden sheds, under outdoor furniture, or inside letterboxes.
Are they dangerous? Yes. Redback bites can cause serious pain, nausea, and sweating. While we’re lucky to have an antivenom that’s made fatalities incredibly rare, hundreds of people still end up in hospital every year.
Avoiding them means staying on top of outdoor clutter. Think stacks of bricks, old shoes, or that camping gear you haven’t touched since Easter. Always wear gloves when gardening, and if you do see one? Don’t go in barehanded with bravery, get a broom or call in the pros if it’s becoming a regular problem.
Huntsman Spider
No spider triggers a bigger jump scare than a huntsman. Large, hairy, and fast-moving, they’re notorious for turning up in cars, bedrooms, and bathrooms, usually uninvited and often at the worst possible time.
Are they dangerous? Not really. Huntsmans are generally shy and prefer to avoid humans. Their bites are rare and usually result in mild symptoms like local swelling or redness. Plus, they help control insects like cockroaches and moths, making them surprisingly useful house guests.
If you do find one in your house, the old cup-and-cardboard trick still works a treat. Skip the bug spray unless you enjoy chasing a panicked spider around your walls and cleaning up the aftermath. And if you want to avoid more surprise appearances, sealing gaps around windows and doors is your best bet.
White-Tailed Spiders
These night-time prowlers are named for the distinctive white tip on their tail and are known for hunting other spiders rather than building webs. They’re fast, agile, and commonly found in homes, especially in clothes, bedding, or dark corners.
Are they dangerous? Not as much as people think. White-tailed spiders were linked to serious skin infections, but this has since been widely debunked. Most bites cause only mild symptoms, like itching or minor swelling.
Keeping your floors and under-bed spaces tidy can reduce the chance of surprise visits. Vacuuming dark corners and shaking out anything that’s been sitting in the back of the cupboard for a while will also keep things in your favour.
Bitten? Here’s What to Do
While most spider bites are harmless, it’s still important to know what to do especially if you’re unsure which spider did the biting.
Redback: Apply a cold pack for pain relief. Avoid using a pressure bandage. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen - antivenom may be needed.
Funnel-web or large black spider (mainly in NSW): Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage and call 000 immediately.
Huntsman or white-tail: Clean the area with water, apply a cold pack, and watch for signs of infection. Most bites settle down on their own.
If in doubt especially with children or pets involved it’s always best to check in with a doctor or hospital.
Spider-Proofing Your Home
You don’t need to panic at the sight of a spider, but there are some easy ways to make your home less inviting to them.
Top tips for keeping spiders out:
Declutter outdoor areas: Redbacks love to hide in stacked wood, bricks, and old pots.
Seal up entry points: Fix gaps around windows, doors, and vents.
Turn off outdoor lights: Lights attract insects, which attract spiders.
Clean regularly: Vacuum ceilings, skirting boards, corners and under furniture.
Get expert help: If spiders are a recurring issue, consider a professional pest treatment. Safe, targeted options are available for homes with kids and pets.
Living in Queensland means sharing our environment with all sorts of creatures and spiders are right up there on the list. But they don’t have to be feared or fought with every time they show up. The trick isn’t to panic every time you see one, but to know which ones to worry about and how to avoid turning your home into a spider sanctuary. While spiders might never be welcome guests, they don’t have to be feared flatmates either. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your home both safe and spider-smart.
