Okay, let's chat about the elephant in the room... or rather, the massive huntsman on the wall. If you're searching for "big spiders in Australia," chances are you're either planning a trip down under, just moved here, had a recent encounter that left your heart pounding, or you're just plain fascinated (or terrified) by these eight-legged giants. Honestly, I get it. I remember walking into my shed near Brisbane years ago and freezing mid-step. Perched right above the door handle was a huntsman easily spanning my outstretched hand. My brain screamed "RUN!" but curiosity (and the need for gardening tools) won out. That moment sparked a real interest, not just fear.
Australia's reputation for big spiders isn't just hype. We genuinely have some impressively large arachnids. But here's the thing most generic articles miss: size isn't the biggest factor when it comes to actual risk. That huntsman? Basically harmless. That smaller, less flashy spider hiding under the loo seat? Potentially far more medically significant. This guide cuts through the myths and Hollywood hysteria. We'll cover the true giants you might meet, which ones actually warrant serious caution, practical steps to keep them outside (or deal with them inside), and crucially, what to do if the worst happens. Forget the sensationalism; let's talk reality.
Australia's Heavyweight Spider Contenders: Size Isn't Everything
When folks talk about "large Australian spiders," they're usually picturing a few specific types. Some are genuinely enormous, others just seem big thanks to long legs. Here's the lowdown on the main players:
Huntsman Spiders (Sparassidae Family)
Ah, the undisputed champions of the "make you jump" category. These are the ones most commonly associated with the term "big spiders in Australia."
- Size: Leg spans up to 15-18 cm (6-7 inches) are common for giants like the Heteropoda maxima (though most in homes are smaller). Bodies can be 4-5 cm.
- Looks: Flattened bodies, long, crab-like legs that splay sideways. Usually brown or grey, sometimes with banding. They move FAST when startled – that sideways scuttle is unnerving!
- Where: Everywhere. Literally. Urban homes (behind pictures, curtains, sun visors in cars), gardens, forests. They love bark and crevices.
- Danger: Very low. Their bite might sting a bit and cause mild swelling or nausea in sensitive individuals, but they are not aggressive and venom isn't medically significant for humans. Honestly, their main danger is causing traffic accidents when they surprise drivers!
- My Take: Despite the initial fright factor, I've learned to appreciate huntsmans. They are phenomenal pest controllers, eating cockroaches, moths, and even smaller spiders. If you can stomach it, gently coaxing them onto a piece of cardboard and moving them outside is the best move. Trying to whack them often just creates a mess and doesn't solve anything.
Goliath Tarantulas / Whistling Spiders (Theraphosidae Family - Selenocosmia crassipes etc.)
Our closest thing to the classic "tarantula." Big, hairy, and imposing.
- Size: Body length up to 6 cm (2.4 inches), leg span up to 16 cm (6.3 inches). Heavy-bodied and covered in hair.
- Looks: Dark brown to black, robust, hairy bodies and legs. They can make a hissing/whistling sound (stridulation) when threatened – hence the name.
- Where: Northern and eastern Australia (QLD, NT, northern WA & NSW). Burrows in soil, under rocks/logs in forests and drier areas. Not common in dense urban backyards.
- Danger: Moderate. Their bite is painful (like a bee sting) due to large fangs and venom. Can cause significant local pain, swelling, nausea, and sweating for several hours. Considered medically significant, but rarely life-threatening. Allergies are a potential concern.
- My Take: Encountered one during a camping trip near Townsville. Impressive creature! Respect their space. They aren't out to get you, burrowing spiders are generally shy. Watch where you put your hands when gathering firewood.
Golden Orb Weavers (Nephilidae Family - Nephila species)
Not "big" in leg span like a huntsman, but renowned for their massive, strong webs and substantial body size.
- Size: Females are large – body length up to 4-5 cm (1.6-2 inches), with long legs. Males are tiny in comparison (often only 5-6mm). Their webs can span over a meter across!
- Looks: Females are strikingly coloured – long black bodies often with yellow/orange/white banding on legs and abdomen. Build large, intricate, strong golden-coloured webs (hence the name).
- Where: Common in gardens, forests, and bushland edges along eastern and northern Australia. Love sunny spots between trees or shrubs.
- Danger: Very low. Bites are uncommon and usually only happen if the spider is severely provoked and handled. Effects are typically mild local pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting. Their webs are the real nuisance when you walk into one face-first!
Why Big Spiders Aren't Always the Scariest: It's easy to panic at the sight of a large huntsman sprinting across your lounge wall. But the spiders that genuinely require the most caution in Australia are often smaller and less conspicuous:
- Funnel-web Spiders: Medium-sized (1-5cm body length), black or dark brown, glossy, with powerful fangs. Found along the east coast (especially Sydney basin). Aggressive when threatened and possess highly toxic venom requiring immediate medical attention. This is the one you really need to watch for.
- Redback Spiders: Small to medium (females ~1cm body, males tiny), black with a distinctive red/orange stripe on the abdomen. Common in sheltered, dry spots (under seats, in sheds, BBQ lids). Venomous bite (neurotoxic) can cause severe pain and systemic illness, but fatalities are rare thanks to antivenom.
- Mouse Spiders: Medium-sized (1-3cm body), stocky, dark with bulbous heads. Burrowing, found across much of Aus. Venom similar to funnel-webs, but they are less aggressive and bites less common. Still treat seriously.
| Spider Type | Average Size (Body/Leg Span) | Distinctive Features | Venom Danger Level | Aggression Level | Common Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Huntsman | 2-4cm / 10-15cm+ | Flattened, long legs, fast | Low (Minor bite) | Low (Runs away) | Homes, gardens, forests |
| Goliath Tarantula | 4-6cm / 12-16cm | Hairy, heavy-bodied, burrowing | Moderate (Painful bite) | Low (Defensive) | Northern/EA, burrows soil/logs |
| Golden Orb Weaver | 3-5cm (f) / 10-12cm leg span | Colourful, large golden webs | Low (Rare bite) | Low | Gardens, bushland edges |
| Sydney Funnel-web | 1-5cm / 6-7cm | Glossy black, powerful fangs | Very High (Potentially fatal) | High (Will stand ground) | East coast, moist areas, burrows |
| Redback | ~1cm (f) / Small | Black w/ red stripe, messy web | High (Neurotoxic) | Low (Passive) | Dry, sheltered spots (sheds, under furniture) |
See the pattern? The truly dangerous Australian spiders aren't necessarily the biggest ones. Focusing solely on "big spiders Australia" misses the critical point about medically significant venom. That funnel-web might look smaller than a huntsman, but it packs a far deadlier punch.
Living Alongside Australia's Big Spiders: Practical Steps
Okay, so you know who's who. How do you coexist without constantly freaking out? It's about making your space less inviting and knowing how to handle encounters.
Keeping Big Spiders Outside (Mostly)
Prevention is way easier than eviction. Here's what actually works, based on experience and pest control advice:
- Seal Entry Points: This is number one. Check window screens for tears (replace even small ones!), seal gaps around doors with weather stripping, install insect screens on vents (especially roof and weep holes!), and fill cracks in external walls. Spiders only need a tiny gap.
- Reduce Outdoor Attractants: Keep vegetation trimmed back from the house exterior. Move firewood piles, compost bins, and garden waste away from walls. Minimise outdoor lighting near doors/windows at night – lights attract insects, which attract spiders. Consider yellow insect bulbs.
- Declutter Inside: Reduce hiding spots. Avoid piles of clothes, papers, or boxes on the floor, especially in garages and spare rooms. Regularly vacuum corners, behind furniture, and under beds. Huntsmans adore framed pictures on walls – give them a tap before moving!
- Professional Barrier Sprays (Use Wisely): Products like Mortein Pest Guard Barrier Spray (around $15-$25 for a can) or Raid Max Barrier (~$20) can create a repellent zone around your home's perimeter. Reapply after heavy rain. Important: Follow instructions carefully. Spray outside only (foundations, eaves, window frames). Avoid spraying where beneficial insects congregate. Effectiveness varies and isn't a magic force field.
Here's a quick list of essential spider-proofing gear for your home:
- Quality Insect Screens: For all windows and doors (including pet doors). Stainless steel mesh is durable.
- Weather Stripping/Door Seals: For bottoms/sides of external doors.
- Gap Sealant/Filler: For cracks in walls, around pipes.
- Vacuum Cleaner with Hose Attachment: Your best friend for removal.
- Long-Handled Broom/Duster: For reaching high corners.
- Sturdy Container & Cardboard: For humane capture/release.
Encounter Management: What to Do When You See One
Panic is natural, but try to stay calm. Your approach depends on the spider and location.
For Huntsmans & Other Harmless Big Spiders:
- Option 1: Live and Let Live (If Tolerable): If it's high up and out of the way, and you can stomach it, leave it. It's eating pests.
- Option 2: Gentle Relocation (Recommended):
- Grab a large, clear container (like a takeaway tub) and a stiff piece of cardboard.
- Slowly place the container over the spider.
- Slide the cardboard carefully between the container and the wall/ceiling, trapping the spider inside.
- Hold the cardboard firmly against the container and carry it outside.
- Release it gently into bushes or a tree trunk away from your house. Don't just throw it – give it a chance to find its footing.
- Option 3: Vacuum Removal (For the Squeamish/Ceiling Dwellers): Use the hose attachment. Immediately empty the vacuum bag/canister outside afterward. Not ideal, but avoids squishing.
For Suspected Dangerous Spiders (Funnel-web, Redback, Mouse Spider):
- DO NOT TRY TO CATCH OR KILL IT YOURSELF. This increases your risk of a bite.
- Keep an eye on its location from a safe distance.
- If safe to do so, isolate the room – close the door.
- Call a Professional Pest Controller Immediately. They have the experience and equipment. Expect to pay $100-$200+ depending on location and company (e.g., Flick Anticimex, local operators).
- If you find one in a shoe or clothing, shake them out vigorously before putting them on, especially if left outside or in a shed.
Spider Bite First Aid: This Could Save a Life
Knowing what to do is critical, especially for funnel-web bites. The Pressure Immobilisation Technique (PIT) is vital:
- Call Emergency Services Immediately: Dial 000 in Australia. State clearly you suspect a funnel-web spider bite.
- Keep the Patient Calm and Still: Movement spreads venom.
- Apply Pressure Bandage:
- Start bandaging over the bite site as tightly as you would for a sprained ankle.
- Bandage upwards along the limb as far as possible.
- Use a heavy crepe or elasticised bandage if available (e.g., Setopress High Compression Bandage ~$10). Improvise with clothing if needed.
- Immobilise the Limb: Splint the limb (use sticks, rolled-up newspaper) to prevent bending.
- Mark the Bite Site: If possible, mark the exact bite location on the bandage with a pen.
- DO NOT Wash the Bite Area: Venom on skin helps with identification.
- DO NOT Apply a Tourniquet.
- Wait for Ambulance: Transport to hospital is essential. Antivenom is highly effective.
For Redback bites: Apply an ice pack to the bite area to reduce pain. Seek medical attention (hospital or doctor) promptly, but PIT is NOT used for redbacks. Pain can be severe and persist.
First Aid Kit Must-Have: Heavy compression bandages (multiple sizes), splints, permanent marker. Keep it accessible! Brands like St John Ambulance or Red Cross sell specific snake/spider bite kits ($30-$60). Worth every cent.
Big Spiders in Australia: Answering Your Burning Questions (FAQ)
Let's tackle the common worries head-on:
Are huntsman spiders in Australia dangerous?
Not really, no. Their bite can be painful and cause some local swelling or nausea in sensitive people, but their venom isn't considered medically significant for healthy adults. They are far more interested in running away than biting you. The biggest danger is the fright they cause, potentially leading to accidents. Definitely scary looking, but not deadly Aussie spiders.
What is the biggest spider found in Australia?
In terms of leg span, large huntsman spiders (like the Heteropoda species) often take the crown, easily reaching 15-18cm (6-7 inches) across. For sheer body mass, the Goliath Tarantulas/Whistling Spiders (Selenocosmia crassipes and relatives) in northern Australia are incredibly robust with bodies up to 6cm long and leg spans around 16cm. So, it depends on how you measure "biggest" – legspan vs. bulk.
Should I kill big spiders in my house?
Generally, no. Especially not huntsmans. Killing spiders like huntsmans or orb weavers often creates a vacuum that less desirable pests (like cockroaches) will fill. They are free pest control! Relocation is kinder and more sustainable. The exception is genuinely dangerous spiders like funnel-webs or redbacks inside the home – but even then, call a professional rather than risking a bite trying to kill it yourself.
Can big spiders like huntsmans hurt my pets?
It's unlikely to cause serious harm to cats or dogs. A bite might cause local pain, swelling, or possibly vomiting/drooling if the pet is sensitive or tries to eat the spider, but severe reactions are rare. However, funnel-web spider venom is extremely toxic to dogs and primates (including humans). If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a funnel-web, treat it as a life-threatening emergency and get to a vet immediately.
Why are Australian spiders so big? Is it the environment?
Australia's diverse climates and ancient landscapes have allowed many species to evolve successfully. Size can offer advantages like tackling larger prey, deterring predators, or surviving in varied habitats. The warm climate in many regions also supports longer active seasons and potentially faster growth rates. But remember, "big" is relative – we have plenty of tiny spiders too! It's the combination of large size in some common species and potent venom in others that grabs attention.
I'm terrified! What's the best repellent for huge spiders in Australia?
Honestly? There's no magic spray guaranteed to keep all big spiders away permanently. Strong smells like peppermint oil, vinegar, or cedar (often touted as natural repellents) might have a mild, short-term deterrent effect at best, but evidence is anecdotal. Focus on physical exclusion (sealing gaps, screens) and reducing insect prey (controlling lights, moisture). Professional barrier sprays offer the best chemical deterrent but need reapplication.
Do huntsman spiders jump at you?
They don't jump *at* you like an attacking animal. However, they can make very sudden, fast movements – including dropping or lunging short distances if they lose their footing or feel threatened. This rapid movement can easily be mistaken for jumping. Their goal is escape, not attack. Watching one "teleport" across a wall is startling, but it's flight, not fight.
Are there tarantulas in Australia?
Yes, but they aren't called "tarantulas" as commonly here. Our main groups are the Whistling Spiders or Bird-eating Spiders (Theraphosidae family, like Selenocosmia crassipes). Found primarily in northern and eastern tropical/warmer regions, they live in burrows and are impressive but shy. They are our native equivalent to the tarantulas found elsewhere. So yes, Australia has big spiders fitting the tarantula description.
Essential Spider Safety Gear: What You Actually Need
You don't need to kit yourself out like a hazmat team. Focus on practical, proven items:
- For Prevention & Removal:
- Quality Sealant & Weather Stripping: Brands like Selleys (various types, $10-$25). Seal those gaps!
- Sturdy Insect Screens: Get them professionally installed or buy DIY kits from Bunnings/Mitre 10. Ensure fine mesh.
- Long-Handled Broom/Duster: For encouraging high-up huntsmans towards an exit or capture point.
- Clear Plastic Container & Rigid Cardboard: Dedicate one for spider relocation. Cheap and effective.
- Good Vacuum with Hose: Ideally bagged (easier to dispose of contents outside).
- Torch/Flashlight: For checking dark corners, sheds, under furniture before reaching in.
- For First Aid (Non-Negotiable):
- Heavy Compression Bandages: Minimum 2 x 10cm wide, 2.3m+ long (e.g., Setopress High Compression Bandage ~$10-$15 each).
- First Aid Manual covering spider bites (e.g., St John Ambulance book).
- Consider a Snake/Spider Bite Kit: Available from St John Ambulance, Red Cross, pharmacies ($30-$60). Contains bandages, splints, marker.
- For Peace of Mind (Not Essential, But Helpful):
- Head Torch: Leaves hands free when inspecting dark areas. Essential for camping.
- Pest Control Contact Info: Save a local, reputable pest controller's number in your phone.
Avoid gimmicky "ultrasonic repellent" plugs – there's no credible evidence they work against spiders. Stick to proven physical and barrier methods.
Beyond the Fear: Understanding Australia's Big Spiders
Look, I won't pretend big spiders in Australia are universally lovable. That initial jolt of adrenaline when you spot one is real. But understanding them changes the dynamic from blind panic to respectful caution.
Huntsmans are masterful pest controllers. Orb weavers create stunning, intricate webs that glisten in the morning dew. Even the formidable funnel-web plays a role in its ecosystem. Most encounters with large Australian spiders are harmless events that end with the spider running away faster than you.
The key is distinguishing between the merely big and hairy (usually harmless), and the genuinely medically significant spiders (often smaller). Know how to make your home less inviting, learn the humane relocation method, and crucially, memorise the Pressure Immobilisation Technique for funnel-web bites. Pack those compression bandages.
Australia's wildlife is unique, and that includes our arachnids. Respect their space, take sensible precautions, and you can coexist just fine. The fear diminishes, but the fascination? That tends to stick around, especially when you see the sheer size of some of these big spiders in Australia going about their business, utterly uninterested in us.
Leave a Comments