Pest Control and Termite Control Specialists

Funnel Web Spiders

Habitats

Funnel-web spiders like to make their burrows in moist, cool, sheltered areas. Such areas are under rocks, crevices, in and under rotting logs.

In the garden they prefer rocks or thick shrubs, they are rarely found in the open, on lawns, pavers etc.

Funnel-web spiders are more active outside the burrow when there is high humidity, also at night.

Identifying

Funnel-web spiders are a large species of spiders.

With their bodies being from 1.5cm- 4.5cm long.

Their abdomen is usually dark plum to black in colour.

Habits, Mating and Reproduction

Female funnel-web spiders will spend most of their life in their burrow. They occasionally hunt at night.

However the male Funnel-web spider will leave their burrows in search for a female, especially in summer or autumn, this when we would be more likely to see them.

Male Funnel-web spiders may accidentally wander into the house or garage under doors.

The male Funnel-web will spend their entire adult life mating with as many females possible.

Toxicity

You are more likely to be bitten by a Funnel-web during summer or autumn, when wandering males are in search of a mate.

When bitten by a Funnel-web you should seek medical attention immediately, as it can cause serious illness or death.

Cats, dogs and other mammals are relatively resistant.

The male Funnel-web is more dangerous than the female because the toxic venom that attacks the nervous system is only present in the male.

Symptoms after a bite are local pain, numbness in your mouth, vomiting, abdominal pain, sweating and salivation.

Anti venom is available. Since its introduction there have been no deaths.

First aid

Immediate action should be taken to apply a pressure bandage and immobilise the bitten limb, using a splint. Restrict the victims movements.

Catch the spider for identification.

Seek medical attention.