Spider inspection and control

What are spiders?

Spiders are arachnids, not insects, and they feed on other pests. Web-building house spiders, redbacks in sheltered outdoor areas and wandering spiders can all be found around homes. The type and location matter because web builders, hunters and ground-dwelling spiders behave differently.

Signs they may be present

• Fresh webs that return soon after removal.
• Egg sacs in sheltered corners, eaves, window frames or stored items.
• Repeated sightings in the same room, garage, shed or outdoor area.
• Webbing around doors, vents, service gaps and exterior lighting.
• Ground burrows, silk lines or high insect activity around the building.

What you can do yourself

• Leave an isolated spider alone where it is not creating a risk.
• Fit flyscreens and use weather strips or draught excluders under doors.
• Trim shrubs and branches away from doors, windows and eaves.
• Reduce undisturbed clutter in sheds, garages and storage areas.
• Check shoes, gloves and clothing left outside; wear enclosed shoes and gloves when gardening.
• Remove accessible webs with a long-handled brush while keeping clear of the spider. Use a domestic product only if its label permits spider control in that location.

What to leave alone and when to call

Do not handle or reach towards an unknown spider, or put bare hands into dark cavities, stored pots, timber piles or outdoor furniture. A web or photograph may not be enough for definite identification.

Call for help when concerning spiders are found near play or work areas, activity is high around inaccessible eaves or roof spaces, or safe removal is not practical. If a bite is suspected, follow current first-aid advice and seek medical help; call 000 for a suspected funnel-web bite or severe symptoms.

How we investigate and treat it

1. 1

   Inspect the likely harbourage

   Accessible eaves, windows, doors, garages, sheds, roof edges and the perimeter are checked.

2. 2

   Look at what is supporting it

   We consider webs, egg sacs, entry gaps, vegetation, clutter and the insects providing food.

3. 3

   Reduce access and harbourage

   Accessible webbing may be removed, with practical proofing and habitat changes recommended.

4. 4

   Treat where justified

   A registered, label-approved treatment can be used in suitable targeted areas, with follow-up where egg sacs or concealed harbourage remain.