Melbourne homes are often inundated with several spider species during spring and summer.

The hot and humid conditions can lead to a spike in the populations of the insects they eat. Likewise, many spiders come out of hiding in search of a mate.

Most of the common spider species found in Melbourne are reluctant to bite and rarely cause significant injuries.

However, becoming familiar with their key characteristics can reduce your risk of envenomation and a potentially adverse reaction.

In this article, we cover the appearance, habitat, and danger level of six of the most common spider species found in and around Melbourne homes.

Red back spider

Appearance

Female Redbacks are generally black in colour, though some may be brown - males, meanwhile, are usually light brown
Female Redbacks have an orange or red stripe on the top of their abdomen, while males have white or yellow markings on their abdomen
While male Redbacks only grow to a modest 5 mm, females can grow up to 1 cm
Both male and female Redbacks have an hourglass shaped marking on their underside - the males' is pale, while the females' is orange or red

Habitat

Redback spiders like to build their webs in sites where there is sufficient food supply and shelter, including:

Sheds
Toilets
Junk piles

Their webs comprise a messy, funnel like upper retreat area and sticky catching threads that attach to the ground vertically.

White tailed spiders

Appearance

Cylindrical, cigar shaped body that can range from grey to dark reddish in colour
A white spot at the tip of their abdomen
Dark, orange brown bands on their legs, which can reach 5 cm in length

Habitat

In the outdoors, White tail spiders like to shelter beneath bark, rocks, and leaf litter. Indoors, they are known to inhabit:

Sheltered nooks and crannies
Between pieces of fabric, including clothes, towels, and bedding

White tails tend to venture indoors when the weather gets warm.

Huntsman spiders

Appearance

Flat, dark coloured body
Long, hairy legs that bend forward like those of a crab and can reach up to 15 cm

Habitat

Under loose tree bark
In crevices on rock walls
Beneath rocks, logs, and other litter

Huntsman spiders have also been known to weasel into homes and cars in rainy or humid conditions.

Wolf spiders

Appearance

Hairy, drab coloured body with grey, brown, or black markings
Light grey, cream, or black underside superimposed with black or white markings
Long legs that can range in size from 1.2 to 5 cm

Habitat

Wolf spiders are commonly found in suburban backyards, where they shelter in leaf litter or burrows made from:

Pebbles
Twigs
Other material

Female Wolf spiders have been known to enter homes to protect their egg sac, which they carry on their abdomen, from cold conditions.

Black house spiders

Appearance

Dark, robust body - their abdomen tends to be charcoal grey, while their carapace and legs can range from dark brown to black
Their carapace is typically covered in grey hairs
Females can range in size from 12 mm to 18 mm - males, meanwhile, are slightly smaller and tend to range from 9 mm to 15 mm

Habitat

Black house spiders have been known to build their webs in:

Rough barked tree trunks
Logs
Rock walls
Window frames and wall crevices

Their lacy webs typically have funnel shaped entrances that are disguised with embedded particles of detritus.

Garden orb weaving spiders

Appearance

Females can range in size from 2 cm to 3 cm - males, meanwhile, are slightly smaller at 1.5 cm to 2 cm
A stout, reddish brown or grey body with a leaf shaped pattern on the abdomen
Their bulbous, triangular shaped abdomen also has two noticeable humps towards the front

Habitat

Garden orb weavers generally suspend their large, wheel shaped webs between trees and shrubs.

Where Will I Find Spiders?

Most spiders are nocturnal and are most active overnight hunting their prey. During the day, they hide within their webs or burrows. Spiders will hide out in dense vegetation and grass. Shrubs, bushes, and trees are all home to spiders. They also like to hide around docks, under decks, behind shutters and siding, or in doorways or under roof eaves.

Spiders that find their way into homes, sheds, garages, or other outbuildings and often get inside through:

Open windows or doors
Vents
Spaces in exterior walls, the foundation, or roofline

Once inside, they will seek out dark, quiet areas to hide and hunt for insects. Spiders live in closets, boxes, under furniture, in the corners of rooms, and on windowsills. They are also regular visitors to attics and crawlspaces.

How Do I Get Rid Of Spiders?

At Probest Pest Control, we understand how annoying spiders living inside of your home can be. Once they use their eight legs to crawl inside, they are hard to eradicate.

We can provide our local, pet-safe spider control services to help you eliminate spiders and prevent them from returning. If you find spiders or any other pests in your home, reach out to Probest Pest Control and schedule a free pest control inspection!

How Can I Prevent Spiders In The Future?

Preventing problems with spiders is difficult. The best solution to your spider problem is to partner with the professionals at Probest Pest Control

In addition to giving us a call, the following prevention tips can help:

Keep your yard well-maintained. Eliminate overgrown shrubs and bushes, and keep the grass cut short.
Cut back landscaping, weeds, and grass away from your foundation.
Cover vents and drains that lead into your home.
Seal spaces around air conditioners.
Keep off outdoor lights when not needed. Lights attract insects to the exterior of your home.
Inside, keep storage areas clear of debris and organized.
Vacuum and dust your home to get rid of cobwebs.
Carefully inspect the outside of your house and seal spaces found around windows and doors, in exterior walls, and the foundation.