Spider Control in Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs

Safe Spider Treatment by the Experts

Typical household Spider Treatments involve application of an insecticide dust to the roof void and under the building (if access is available). Internal skirting boards are sprayed along with any other likely hiding places such as under furnishings. The external building perimeter walls, eaves, window frames, verandahs and fences are treated.

General spider treatments will mostly affect web spinning spiders, since we are able to sight the webbing and apply pesticide directly to their harbourage and webs.

Nomadic spiders such as Huntsman and White-tails do not have webs. Spiders are affected when a pesticide is absorbed through their body surface (Cuticle). Therefore when we apply residual chemicals to surfaces we cannot rely on these Nomadic spiders coming in contact with the spray unless they rest down on the treated surface.

Spider Facts

In Australia, there are about 2,000 described spider species. Even though most spiders are not aggressive, they may bite in self-defence if frightened, threatened or accidentally touched.

Spiders use venom to subdue their prey. Occasionally, this venom is used against a human in defence. Spider fangs are often unable to penetrate the human skin. However, some spiders that can bite humans may inflict painful and, in rare cases, dangerous bites.

Spider venom consists of a complex mixture of chemicals of biological origin. In humans, the effects of spider venom usually only cause localised pain and swelling, but may include:

• interference with blood clotting
• breakdown of muscle and tissue
• paralysis and effects on the cardiorespiratory.

Redback spider and Sydney funnelweb spiders are the only two spiders that have caused deaths in Australia in the past. Sydney funnelwebs are not found in Victoria. Effective antivenom for redback spiders was introduced in 1956, and one for funnelweb spiders in 1980. There have been no deaths in Australia from a confirmed spider bite since then.

Spider eggs are laid into a silken sac, with more than 100 eggs in each sac. They may be fixed to a surface, hidden in the web or carried by the female. If egg sacs are fixed indoors there will soon be more spiders around.

Despite their often large and hairy appearance, Huntsman spiders are not considered to be dangerous spiders. As with most spiders, they do possess venom, and a bite may cause some ill effects. However, they are quite reluctant to bite, and will usually try to run away rather than be aggressive. In houses, they perform a useful role as natural pest controllers.

Do White-tailed spiders cause the skin condition known as necrotising arachnidism?

There is an ongoing debate among toxicologists and spider biologists about the effects and dangers of white-tailed spider bites. Most of these bites appear to cause little or no effect beyond transient local pain. However, a small number of cases do cause more extensive problems. Whether this is a result of the spiders’ venom or to bacteria infecting the wound at or after the time of the bite has not yet been resolved. It is also possible that some people may react badly to a white-tailed spider bite, possibly because of immune system susceptibility or a predisposing medical condition.

Are Daddy-long-legs the most venomous spiders in the world?

There is no evidence in the scientific literature to suggest that daddy-long-legs spiders are dangerously venomous. Daddy-long-legs have venom glands and fangs but their fangs are very small. The jaw bases are fused together, giving the fangs a narrow gape that would make attempts to bite through human skin ineffective.

However, Daddy-long-legs Spiders can kill and eat other spiders, including Redback Spiders whose venom can be fatal to humans. Perhaps this is the origin of the rumour that Daddy-long-legs are the most venomous spiders in the world. The argument is sometimes put that if they can kill a deadly spider they must be even more deadly themselves. However, this is not correct. Behavioural and structural characteristics, such as silk wrapping of prey using their long legs, are very important in the Daddy-long-legs’ ability to immobilise and kill Redbacks. Also, the effect of the Daddy-long-legs’ venom on spider or insect prey has little bearing on its effect in humans.

Spider Treatment FAQ’s

Australia has some of the most feared spiders in the world – and Melbourne is no stranger to them. Here are the most common spider control questions people ask our team.