Spiders in Perth
Spiders are common around Perth homes and gardens, where they often find shelter and insects to feed on. While many spiders remain outdoors, some may establish webs or hiding places inside buildings, around roof spaces, garages, sheds and other protected areas. Learn what to look for, where spiders may hide and how to reduce unwanted activity around your property.
Common signs of spider activity
Spiders are a normal part of the Australian environment. However, recurring activity in certain areas may indicate conditions that provide suitable shelter or prey.
Frequent sightings
Spiders regularly appearing in rooms, outdoor structures or around the building.
Webs around windows
Spider webs appearing around window frames, doors, eaves and protected corners.
Webbing in storage areas
Webs around garages, cupboards, stored materials and undisturbed spaces.
Spiders in hiding places
Spiders sheltering beneath furniture, outdoor items or stored belongings.
Activity near lighting
Spiders appearing where outdoor lights attract insects, particularly near entrances.
Egg sacs or rebuilt webs
Spider egg sacs or webs repeatedly appearing in sheltered areas around a property.
Worth noting: Not every spider makes a capture web. Some spiders hunt by moving around, so a lack of webbing does not mean spiders are absent.
Where do spiders hide?
Spiders generally favour locations that offer shelter, suitable hunting areas and protection from disturbance. Hiding places differ depending on the spider species and surrounding environment.
Be careful around concealed spaces. Avoid placing bare hands into dark gaps, stored items or areas where spiders may be hiding.
Windows and door frames
Protected corners, frame edges and gaps around entrances.
Beneath or behind furniture
Sheltered spaces that remain undisturbed for long periods.
Garages and sheds
Storage areas, shelving, garden equipment and building corners.
Roof spaces and eaves
Protected roof edges, ceiling spaces and sheltered external areas.
Gutters and outdoor structures
Undisturbed parts of external structures where suitable shelter is available.
Ceiling and wall corners
Indoor corners, small gaps and other protected areas within buildings.
Stored items and clutter
Boxes, unused materials, outdoor equipment and sheltered storage spaces.
Gardens and vegetation
Shrubs, garden beds, outdoor furniture and landscaping around homes.
What attracts spiders to a property?
Spider activity is often influenced by shelter and the availability of insects and other prey. Certain property conditions may make an area suitable for spiders.
Insects and other prey
Areas with plenty of insects can provide feeding opportunities for spiders around homes and outdoor structures.
Outdoor lighting
Lights can attract flying insects, creating feeding opportunities for spiders near windows, doors and entrances.
Shelter and clutter
Stored items, garden materials, gaps and undisturbed spaces can offer protected locations for spiders.
Dense vegetation
Shrubs, garden plants and vegetation near buildings can provide habitat and hunting areas.
Undisturbed structures
Garages, sheds, roof spaces and storage areas can provide long-term sheltered locations.
Accessible building gaps
Openings around doors, windows and other building areas may allow some spiders to enter.
Spider types around Perth homes
Australia has many different spider species, and their appearance and behaviour can vary. These are examples of spider types that residents may encounter around homes and gardens.
Huntsman spiders
Often large, fast-moving spiders with long legs. Huntsman spiders generally roam in search of prey rather than using capture webs.
Redback spiders
Often associated with sheltered, relatively undisturbed areas such as sheds and outdoor structures. Redback bites can require medical care.
Orb-weaving spiders
Web-building spiders commonly associated with gardens, shrubs and outdoor areas. Many create circular, wheel-shaped webs.
White-tailed spiders
Wandering spiders that may be noticed indoors. They do not build prey-catching webs and can shelter in concealed places.
Identification matters: These descriptions are general guides, not a reliable method for identifying a particular spider. If you are unsure what species you have found, avoid handling it and seek suitable advice.
How can you reduce spider activity?
Simple cleaning, property maintenance and reducing sheltered hiding places may help discourage unwanted spider activity. These measures can also make it easier to identify recurring activity around your property.
Learn about Pest Control PerthSafety comes first. Do not place your hands directly into hidden spaces or attempt to handle a spider you cannot confidently identify.
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Remove accessible old webs
Clear empty or abandoned webs in safely accessible areas. Avoid disturbing spiders you cannot identify.
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Reduce stored clutter
Keep garages, sheds and storage areas organised.
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Maintain surrounding vegetation
Trim plants where practical and manage dense growth around building access areas.
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Seal suitable entry gaps
Check windows, doors and accessible building openings for gaps.
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Keep outdoor areas tidy
Reduce unnecessary shelter around patios, entrances and outdoor furniture.
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Manage unused materials
Avoid leaving materials stacked against the building for long periods.
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Reduce insect attractants
Maintain cleanliness and consider outdoor lighting arrangements where practical.
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Clean undisturbed corners
Regularly maintain safely accessible corners and storage areas.
Keeping your household safe around spiders
Most encounters can be managed by giving spiders space and avoiding unnecessary handling. Take extra care when children or pets may encounter spiders around sheltered outdoor areas.
Avoid direct contact
Do not handle unfamiliar spiders or reach into dark corners, under stored items or into concealed spaces.
Consider children and pets
Keep children and animals away from suspected hazardous spiders and areas requiring inspection or professional treatment.
Know when to seek medical advice
If a spider bite is suspected, follow current Australian first-aid guidance. Severe symptoms require urgent medical attention.
When is professional spider control worth considering?
Professional pest control may be appropriate when spider activity is persistent, numerous or regularly occurring around parts of the property.
A professional approach can consider spider activity, sheltered areas, entry points and environmental conditions that may be contributing to repeated sightings or webs.
If a spider is suspected to be medically significant, avoid handling it and keep a safe distance.
- Repeated spiders or web activity around the property
- Activity in garages, sheds, entrances or storage spaces
- Concerns about spider activity near household living areas
- Ongoing activity despite practical prevention measures
Spiders in Perth: FAQs
Common questions about spider identification, activity, prevention and safety.
Why are spiders appearing around my home?
Spiders may be attracted by suitable shelter and the insects they feed on. Outdoor lighting, vegetation, building gaps and stored materials can influence where activity occurs.
Does every spider build a web?
No. Some spiders build webs to catch prey, while others hunt by roaming around gardens, buildings or sheltered spaces.
Are all spiders around Perth dangerous?
No. Many spiders are not considered medically significant and help control other insects. However, certain spiders, including redbacks, can cause bites requiring medical attention. Avoid handling spiders you cannot confidently identify.
Why do spider webs keep returning?
Suitable web-building locations can continue to attract spiders, especially where shelter and prey insects remain available. Removing an old web does not necessarily prevent new activity.
Can spiders enter through small gaps?
Yes. Some spiders may enter buildings through openings around doors, windows and other accessible areas.
Can professional treatment stop every spider?
No treatment can guarantee that spiders will never enter a property. Professional management can help address suitable treatment areas and identify environmental conditions contributing to spider activity.
What should I do if I find a redback spider?
Keep your distance and avoid handling or disturbing the spider. Keep children and pets away from the area and arrange suitable advice or professional assistance if required.
What should I do if someone is bitten?
Follow current Australian first-aid guidance for the suspected spider. If severe symptoms develop, seek urgent medical care. In a medical emergency, call 000.
Seeing spiders around your property?
We provide professional pest control for Perth homes, rental properties and businesses. Tell us where you are noticing spider activity, and we can discuss the most suitable approach for your property.