Australia has a pretty fierce reputation when it comes to our native animals and insects. As the inspiration for many a “Meanwhile in Australia…” meme, spiders are by far one of our country’s most feared inhabitants for tourists and local arachnophobes alike.
But some spiders are friendlier than you might think, and a real asset to the ecosystem (they are the number one protectors of your snags on a hot summer’s day when the flies are bloody reckless). In fact, there has only been one recorded death caused by a spider bite since 1981! Even though we have some of the deadliest species, spider bites are comparatively low.
We take a look at the good, the bad, and the outright deadly.
The Deadly
Funnel Web Spider
The Funnel Web Spider may be the deadliest spider in the world. With 40 recorded species, the most dangerous by far is the Sydney Funnel Web Spider, whose highly toxic venom can be fatal to humans. Luckily, there is an anti-venom cure, which has seen no recorded deaths since its inception in 1981.
The Funnel Web’s fangs are larger than a brown snake’s and can bite through finger and toenails – ouch! Leave these spiders well alone because if they’re provoked, they can get aggressive. They tend to lurk in humid sheltered places and have been spotted in urban backyards.
Redback Spider
The iconic Redback is probably one of Australia’s best-known spiders, for its constant affiliation with hiding under toilet seats (back in the day when the dunny was in an outhouse). They tend to gravitate towards dry, sheltered places such as garden sheds and mailboxes.
Though small (females are approximately 1 cm long), these spiders are incredibly venomous. Just don’t let them hang on! Their fangs are also relatively small which means that many of their bites are ineffective; only 250 out of 2000 bites recorded per year require anti-venom.
The Dangerous
Huntsman
The Huntsman spider might be big and scary looking, but their venom is surprisingly not dangerous to humans. Don’t get us wrong, these creepy buggers will hurt if they bite you, but effects aren’t long-lasting. It is actually the Huntsman’s appearance and super quick movements that cause the most accidents. Ever had a Huntsman scurry out from under a car mat while you’re driving? Bet you swerved liked hell! Remember to keep your cool – they may give you the major heebie-jeebies, but they are more likely to run for the hills than come at you on purpose.
Garden Orb Weaver
Anyone who owns a Hills Hoist clothesline has probably seen these big-bottomed spiders hanging around. If you’ve walked through one of their webs, you’ll know about it. They’re sticky and incredibly strong (and incredibly gross). Orb weavers will build their webs in trees and sometimes across entranceways in order to trick flying insects, so navigate your backyard with caution! While their bites have only minor effects, they can become quite aggressive when provoked and their large presence in urban environments makes bites common.
The Harmless
Daddy Longlegs
Daddy Longlegs are probably the most widely known spider, for its spindly legs and precarious, jaunty movements. There is a longstanding myth that Daddy Longlegs are the most venomous spiders around, simply without a means of biting. Well, we’re here to debunk this myth, and if you don’t believe us, trust the clever lads from Mythbusters.
The Daddy Longlegs do have 0.25mm pincers that produce venom but are unlikely to bite, and even if they do, cause nothing more than a mild stinging sensation. In reality, they’re more likely to spindle themselves into a blur of black legs when provoked.
Saint Andrew’s Cross Spider
Saint Andrew’s Cross Spiders are relatively common in urban gardens. They’re non-aggressive spiders whose bite is of low risk to humans. Basically, they make pretty webs that resemble the lace doilies your Nanna puts under her vases. Not very intimidating now, hey? These webs shelter them from the sun until they’re old enough to weave their pattern into a cross that corresponds with their body.
Austates are leading experts in pest control equipment. Contact us today to find out how we can customise the ultimate work rig for your specialisation!