Out of all insects, spiders are often the main culprits for making our skin crawl. Here in Australia, we have the pleasure of sharing our homes with a vast range of species!
One of the more dangerous species is the white-tailed spider, which is commonly found in warm locations throughout South East Queensland. These bad boys love to crawl out of hibernation as soon as the weather warms up, which is why we’re going to give you the low-down on how to best look out for and avoid them this summer.
What sets the white-tail spider apart from the rest?
At a quick glance, many spiders look quite similar. From the familiar daddy long legs to the deadly funnel-web, there are a number of different features to look out for. However, it’s highly important – and in some cases life-saving – for you to be able to identify what type of spider you’re dealing with.
When faced with a white-tailed spider, you’ll first recognise their white or light grey coloured tail – hence their name. The rest of their body is a black and maroon tinge, and their legs are long and gangly. In saying this, their actual body size is on the smaller end of the scale, measuring in at just one to two centimetres in length.
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Where might you stumble across a white-tail?
Given their small size, white-tail spiders are experts at creeping into your home through cracks and crevices, and hiding in familiar places. These may include:
- Amongst your sheets and towels
- In your clothing / clothing drawers
- Outside beneath mulch and leaves
- On trees, underneath bark
What happens if you get bitten by a white-tail spider?
The effect of a white-tail’s bite can vary from person to person. In less severe cases, you will experience a localised irritation accompanied by a small lump with signs of itching or swelling. In more extreme cases, ulceration of the bite can occur alongside nausea and vomiting. If a bite is left untreated, an infection can ensue, leading to a critical emergency situation.
There’s no way of knowing how your body will react to the bite of a white-tailed spider, so it’s vital that you keep a close eye on the bite mark and use a cold compress to relieve itching and swelling. If you notice any changes, make sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
The best way to avoid white-tail spiders this summer.
Prevention is better than cure, so you’ll be wanting to keep any spider at a safe distance (aka not in your home at all). Booking a professional pest controller who has all the right supplies and equipment to regularly spray your property is the best way to minimise the chances of coming across unwanted, eight-legged visitors in your home.