Practical Pest Control Tips That Really Work

The group of Australian spiders known as funnel webs is often considered the poster child for the country's notoriously dangerous wildlife, but despite this, no human has died from a funnel web spider's bite in decades. While their venom is incredibly toxic, prompt administration of the antivenom is very effective. However, the bite is still excruciatingly painful, and your children and pets are particularly vulnerable to the funnel web's toxin, so keeping off your property as much as possible is still a priority.

Where are you likely to encounter funnel web spiders?

It is a common misconception that funnel web spiders only exist in Sydney and the surrounding areas of New South Wales, but this only applies to the Sydney Funnel Web spider. While other species of funnel web spider aren't quite as notorious or dangerous, they can still give you a painful and toxic bite. These species can be found all along the east coast of Australia, and as far north as the northern reaches of Queensland. They can also be found around the gulfs of South Australia, and in Tasmania.

If you live in these areas, you are most likely to encounter a male spider, as the female of the species rarely leaves her underground nest. What makes male funnel webs dangerous is their propensity to roam and seek shelter in homes. This could be inside a shoe, under a cabinet or in a stack of towels.

How do I prevent funnel web spiders from sheltering in my home and garden?

Killing funnel web spiders is both difficult and dangerous. Their thick carapaces make them tremendously resistant to bug sprays and pesticides, and when threatened a male funnel web spider may try to bite you. Prevention of spider infiltration should be your primary concern, and if you have a yard or garden, this is your first line of defense:

• Shady vegetation is a popular haven for funnel webs, and low plants with large, shady leaves should be kept away from your doors and windows, as should dense shrubs. 
• Leaf litter in autumn provides a dark, warm, moist home for roaming spiders, so keep your yard as leaf-free as is reasonable. Dispose of leaves carefully, and don't leave large piles of dead leaves close to your home.
• Do not leave muddy or soiled boots and shoes outside.
• Sand pits and drained swimming pools are ideal hiding spots, especially if they are covered. Check a sandpit with a rake or long stick before allowing your children to play in it.
• When gardening, wear thick gloves and sturdy boots, particularly when working around flowerbeds, rockeries and other potential hiding spots. Be particularly watchful if you're gardening after rainfall.
• Seal the bottoms of doors with weather strips.

You can also call pest control experts to ensure that the premise is clear and safe. They can take care of particularly big spider issues, too.