White-tailed Spider (Lampona Cylindrata)
This is another poisonous spider whose bites can cause pain and have been associated with blistering and necrosis (where the cells on and just below the surface die and become scaly). It is black with a white patch at the end of its abdomen. The male is about 12mm while the female can be up to 20mm in length.
This spider is a wanderer and a hunter. Its main diet is other spiders, including the black house spider. They are found under bark and logs in the bush. When it lives in houses, it searches for its prey in the early evening and shelters during the day in bathrooms, on the tops of walls, and in furniture.
Huntsman Spider (Isopoda Immonis)
The huntsman spider is not aggressive, but if provoked, its bite can be painful - although no symptoms of poisoning follow. Its front two pairs of legs are larger than the rear two pairs and its body has a rather flattened appearance. Its colouring can vary from browns to greys and buff. It is often mottled. The huntsman can move sideways. The male is usually 25mm in size and the female 35mm. They normally live under the bark of trees during the daytime and emerge at night. They often enter houses where they are seen on walls. They are a useful spider in that they feed on insects.
Non-chemical Procedures
It is important to remember that most spiders are not pests, and are an important part of our environment, since they reduce the populations of pest insects. However, some are poisonous and their bites require medical attention.
- Identify spiders found in the house. Kill only those that are regarded as poisonous to humans.
- Take care when using insecticides in gardens as this can cause funnelweb spiders to enter houses.
- Wet weather may also cause ground-dwelling spiders to enter houses. Ground-dwelling spiders are also often found in swimming pools and can be alive even after hours at the bottom of the pool. Do not remove with the hands.
- Carefully inspect all footwear and clothing left outside before dressing, particularly in summer and autumn.
- Inspect all toys, clothing, footwear and other articles left outside at night before bringing them into the house.
