Spider Information for Sydney

Habits
Most spiders are nocturnal. During the day they are seldom seen, unless they are sought or disturbed in their natural environment. When the light fades, spiders become active. They leave the protection of their burrows or shelters and go out in search of food or, in the case of web spinning spiders, construct their webs to snare prey. As day breaks, most spiders seek the safety of their shelters again.

Spider Control and Avoidance of Bites:

1. Wear gloves when gardening and handling soil or rubbish.
2. Wear sensible footwear when walking outside, particularly at night, when most ground dwelling spiders are active.
3. Where extensive excavations, landscaping, digging or gardening has occurred nearby, be alert for disturbed ground dwelling spiders, which may enter buildings.
4. Don't leave toys, clothes, and other such articles on the ground, particularly overnight. Wondering spiders may use them as temporary resting site.
5. Be particularly alert for wandering male funnelwebs during the warmer months, January to March. It is their mating season, and they may wonder into yards and buildings in search of a mate.
6. Be alert for wandering ground-dwelling spiders after long periods of very wet weather. Burrowing spiders have particular preferences, so extremes of weather may cause them to wander more than usual.
7. Be alert for wandering ground-dwelling spiders following the widespread application of insecticides. Where spiders are not directly contacted (and wetted) by the insecticide, they may be disturbed and wander more than usual.