Spiders are everywhere in Perth’s warm climate, but there’s good news: most common spiders here pose little threat. In fact, WA authorities note that only the redback spider is truly dangerous – and deaths have been prevented by antivenom since the 1950seh.org.au. There are no native funnel‑web spiders in WAmuseum.wa.gov.au, and large backyard spiders like huntsmen and trapdoors are essentially harmless. With a little care (and Perth’s own pest pros at Nest Free on call), you can coexist safely with our eight‑legged neighbors.
Huntsman spiders are common around Perth homes – large grey/brown spiders often seen on walls, fences or garage ceilings. Despite their size, their venom is very mild: they’re classified as “low-risk (non toxic) to humans” and almost never bite unless provoked. Huntsmen actually help by eating insects and pests, and will flee if disturbed. Similarly, trapdoor (wishbone) spiders often wander into houses from nearby bushland. These stout, hairy spiders may look menacing, but it was confirmed they “are not dangerous”. They spend most of their life in burrows and only wander indoors by accident.
Black house spiders are another frequent Perth home dweller – you’ll spot their messy tube-webs around window corners or sheds. These timid spiders rarely bite people. Even if one does nip you, symptoms are usually mild: a bit of pain, redness or nausea. Harmless daddy-longlegs (pholcid) spiders are often mistaken for tarantulas, but they never bite humans. And garden orb-weavers (the big round-web spiders seen at dusk) are large but mellow – they won’t bite unless hurt. Other local spiders – wolf spiders, jumping spiders, garden spiders, etc. – generally mind their own business and pose no real threat to people. For example, white-tailed spiders (common in summer) cause only brief burning pain and swelling if they bite, with serious complications extremely rare.
The one spider to watch out for in Perth is the redback (female black widow). Redbacks build tangled webs in dry, sheltered spots (garden sheds, under eaves, wood piles). Their bites can be serious: symptoms include intense pain, nausea, vomiting and sweating. Thankfully, antivenom has been available since 1956 and fatalities no longer occur. If you’re bitten by a redback, seek medical care – doctors can administer antivenom and pain relief. Aside from redbacks, white-tailed spiders get the most attention here, but their bites typically only cause brief pain and redness. (Contrary to old myths, white-tails don’t routinely cause rotting wounds.)
Check and clear clutter: Shake out shoes, boots, gloves or towels that were left on the ground or in the garden before using them. Keep wood piles, plant pots and debris away from the house, as these provide hiding spots.
Seal your home: Repair cracks, gaps and loose weather-stripping on doors, windows and screens to keep spiders outside where they belong. Use fine mesh over vents and chimneys.
Reduce webs: Regularly sweep away spider webs from walls, fences and eaves. Turn off outdoor lights or use yellow bug lights to avoid attracting insects (and the spiders that prey on them).
Inspect at night: If you do venture into storage sheds, attics or garages at night, carry a flashlight and beware where you place your hands. Many spiders are nocturnal and hunt at night.
Use caution: Consider wearing gloves when weeding or moving garden objects. Never poke or handle spiders – instead, gently catch and release them outdoors or vacuum them up if inside.
Call the experts: If you find a redback (or any spider you’re not sure about), or if spiders are multiplying in or around your home, it’s best to get professional help. Nest Free are local Perth spider experts who safely remove problem spiders and help prevent them returning.
By learning which spiders are common and which are dangerous, you can keep spiders in perspective. Remember, most Perth spiders actually help control pests, and only a couple of species need real caution. If spider sightings make you uneasy, Nest Free Pest Control offers friendly, local service to put your mind at ease. Our expert technicians know all the Perth spider species – we’ll safely remove any unwanted eight‑legged guests and advise you on how to keep them out. Sleep easy knowing that with a little prevention (and a call to Nest Free when needed) you can live spider‑free in comfort and confidence.
