The Huntsman Spider is one of the most recognisable spiders found throughout Canberra and across Australia. Known for their large size, fast movement, and flattened body shape, Huntsman Spiders are often alarming to encounter inside homes despite being relatively non-aggressive. Effective Huntsman Spider control focuses on managing entry points, reducing harbourage areas, and applying professional treatments where required.

ACT Pest Control provides professional Huntsman Spider Control Canberra residents can rely on. Our services are designed to manage spider activity safely while reducing unwanted encounters in residential and commercial environments.

Appearance of the Huntsman Spider

Huntsman Spiders come in a wide variety of colours and patterns, though they are most commonly brown, black, or grey. There are over 100 species of Huntsman Spiders in Australia, contributing to variation in appearance and size.

Some Huntsman species are extremely large, with leg spans exceeding 160 millimetres. Their bodies are flattened, allowing them to squeeze into narrow spaces such as behind bark, under rocks, and within wall cracks.

A key identifying feature of the Huntsman Spider is the structure of its legs. The two back pairs of legs are shorter than the front pairs, and all legs fan out sideways. This enables the spider to move forwards and sideways, often giving it a distinctive crab-like appearance.

Correct identification is important for effective Huntsman Spider Pest Control, as their size and behaviour differ significantly from other spider species.

Life cycle of the Huntsman Spider

The Huntsman Spider life cycle begins when the female produces a flat, oval egg sac made from white, papery silk. She may lay up to 200 eggs within the sac.

After laying, the female places the egg sac under bark, a rock, or another sheltered surface. She then guards the egg sac for approximately three weeks, during which time she does not feed.

When the eggs are ready to hatch, the mother spider actively assists by opening the egg sac to allow the spiderlings to emerge. In some cases, she may remain with the spiderlings for several weeks, offering protection during their early development.

The lifespan of most Huntsman Spider species is two years or more, allowing individuals to persist around properties if favourable conditions exist.

Habits and behaviour of Huntsman Spiders

Huntsman Spiders occur Australia-wide and are commonly found in both natural and urban environments. Typical outdoor locations include tree trunks, under bark, beneath stones, and among rock formations.

Around homes, Huntsman Spiders are often seen on walls, ceilings, behind curtains, inside sheds, garages, and roof voids. Some species are extremely compressed and can live within hairline cracks of sandstone and granite, making them difficult to exclude.

Unlike web-building spiders, Huntsman Spiders do not rely on webs to catch prey. Instead, they are active hunters that stalk and chase prey using stealth and speed.

Feeding behaviour

Huntsman Spiders feed on a wide variety of prey, including insects, arthropods, and occasionally small lizards and frogs. Their hunting behaviour helps control other pest populations, which is why they are sometimes considered beneficial.

However, their size and sudden movement can be unsettling indoors, leading many property owners to seek professional Huntsman Spider Control Canberra services.

Venom and safety concerns

Huntsman Spiders are poisonous to humans but not fatal. Bites are uncommon and typically occur only when the spider is handled or trapped against the skin.

Symptoms may include local pain, swelling, and mild discomfort. While Huntsman Spiders are not aggressive by nature, their defensive behaviour and size make professional control preferable in living spaces.

Children and pets may be at increased risk of accidental contact, particularly in homes with frequent spider activity.

Why Huntsman Spiders enter homes

Huntsman Spiders often enter buildings while searching for prey or shelter. Gaps around doors, windows, rooflines, and vents provide easy access.

Indoor lighting can also attract insects, which in turn attracts Huntsman Spiders. Once inside, they may remain hidden during the day and emerge at night.

DIY removal often results in spiders relocating within the building rather than leaving entirely. Effective Huntsman Spider Pest Control focuses on reducing access points and suitable harbourage.

Our approach to Huntsman Spider control

ACT Pest Control provides reliable Huntsman Spider Control Canberra homeowners trust through a structured and safety-focused approach. We begin with an inspection to identify spider activity, entry points, and contributing environmental factors.

Treatments are applied strategically to known harbourage areas and entry points to reduce spider presence while minimising disruption to occupants.

Our methods prioritise long-term control and prevention rather than temporary removal.

Preventing future Huntsman Spider activity

Successful Huntsman Spider Pest Control includes sealing gaps, managing outdoor lighting, reducing insect attraction, and keeping storage areas organised.

Our technicians provide tailored advice specific to Canberra properties to support ongoing protection against Huntsman Spider activity.

When to seek professional Huntsman Spider control

If Huntsman Spiders are regularly seen inside your home or workplace, professional Huntsman Spider Control Canberra services are recommended. Early intervention helps reduce encounters and prevents ongoing spider presence.

ACT Pest Control services Canberra and surrounding suburbs, providing dependable Huntsman Spider Pest Control for residential and commercial properties.

Contact ACT Pest Control

If you are concerned about Huntsman Spider activity on your property, ACT Pest Control is ready to assist. We provide professional inspections and effective Huntsman Spider Control Canberra residents trust for safe and reliable results.

Call 1300 022 122 or email info@actpestcontrol.com.au to request a quote or arrange an inspection.