Most dangerous spiders are agile and small, making them challenging to spot in the house.

Spiders are generally bundled into two categories- web-building and running or hunting spider. Here's how to get rid of them both.

Non-repellent treatment

Non-repellent chemicals kill spiders slowly in their hideouts. The method is effective against several dangerous spider species.

Spray treatment

Chemical sprays containing insecticides like Cislin 25 are the leading insecticides in Australia. Sprays are used for residual spider treatment leaving a long-term effect and usually have a low odour.

Dust treatment

Dust treatment is a highly effective method where the dust enters the void and attaches to sticky spider strands. Permethrin-based powders are typically used in this treatment.

Natural pesticides

Pyrethrin is a natural pesticide extracted from Chrysanthemum flowers that kills a spider if directly hit or sprayed on it.

Sticky trap

Install a sticky trap at the spider’s entry point or near the voids with suspected spider activity. The traps are boxes available in various designs and shapes and the spiders will crawl in and get trapped.

How to get rid of spiders naturally

Ensure filling cracks and voids in the building because these are the primary hideouts of spiders. Spiders consider wall cracks as a safe and warm environment. Eliminating these hideouts can drive them away from the building.

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil's intense sensation and odour are intolerable to spiders. It contains a Monoterpenoids chemical having insecticidal and fumigant properties. Mix water and peppermint oil and spray it around the house for getting rid of spiders.

Preventive measures

Always cover food items because common house spiders will contaminate the food by merely touching it. Flies are attracted to food, and these flies are food for spiders. Keeping the house clean reduces spider activity. Ensure there are no spider webs in any corner of the house. Avoid keeping the lights turned on unnecessarily because spiders make webs near the lights to trap insects. Eucalyptus trees are native to Australian people that are oily and have smelly leaves. Using eucalyptus oil in a diffuser at home will keep them away.

What is the easiest way to get rid of spiders?

Use a vacuum cleaner to catch spiders, baby spiders, webs, and loosened eggs. Target areas for vacuuming include walls, furniture, the attic and corners of the house. Empty the vacuum waster outside in a plastic bag. Gently trap the spiders in a box and dispose.

A hard blow from a fly swatter or a rolled-up magazine easily kills a spider.

DIY sprays and other DIY pest control solutions made with simple ingredients can be effective in getting rid of spiders. Sprays can be made by combining vinegar and water, warm water and lavender essential oil, bleach and water, or peppermint oil and water. Certain combinations of tea tree oil and water is effective as well. Fill the solution in a spray bottle for easier use.

Seal the home where spiders can potentially enter the house. Any cracks and or gaps in the house's doors and windows are the typical entry points for new spiders. Covered chimneys and vents block the path for spiders. Outdoor lights attract spiders at night so avoid keeping them on to prevent spiders. Any vegetation around the perimeter of the building attracts spiders due to sufficient food. Remove debris, wild vegetation, mud and stones to discourage spider activity around the house.

Different types of spiders

Spiders are generally in two categories: web-building and running or hunting spiders.

Web-building spiders

A few typical web building spiders are listed below.

Redback spiders

Females can be up to 3cm in length while males are shorter. They are black and have a red mark on the abdomen. Redbacks live in dry and sheltered areas.

Black house spider

Being black and or grey in colour, these have a faint pattern in the abdomen and can be up to 2.5cm in length. They build a web around windows, doors, and funnels.

St. Andrew Cross spider

These are common garden spiders that make webs between trees and bushes. The spiders make a St. Andrew Cross sign while resting, pairing their legs together.

Running or hunting spiders

Common running or hunting spiders are listed below.

Funnel-web spiders

This spider is larger than other spiders and attacked when provoked. It is often confused with a mouse or black house spider. They live in moist areas like sandy soil.

White-tail spider

It has brown and black striped legs and is up to 2.5 cm long. They have a white tip to the abdomen who prefer cooler areas like garden beds.

Huntsman spider

Several species of huntsman spider exist, and all have the same body shape and size. Adult huntsman spider can be 6cm- 15cm long.

How do I know if a spider is dangerous?

The funnel-web spider and redback spider are extremely dangerous. Funnel-web spiders are one of the most dangerous species of spider globally. People can find them in the garden, near swimming pools and backyards. They are black or blue-black with a size ranging from 1.5cm- 3.5cm. They have powerful, large and shiny fangs with shiny head. Moist areas have the most funnel-web spiders. Redback spiders are far less dangerous than funnel-web spiders. These are common species of spiders found throughout Australia, including urban neighbourhoods. Their bite is not fatal but causes severe pain. Females are more aggressive and dangerous than male. Females have a length of 3cm- 4cm with sprawling large legs. The male is much smaller with a blue hue. Even if some spider bites are not life-threatening, they will invite severe infection, making immediate medical treatment necessary. Most dangerous spiders are agile and small-sized, making them challenging to spot in the house. Brown recluse spiders are highly venomous tiny spiders whose bite require an immediate treatment.