Many species are adept at hiding. So, by knowing more about the spiders in your area, you can stay ahead of any potential infestation.

Common locations

Not all spiders spend their time in webs. It’s important to know where a spider may be hiding to prevent accidental injuries, particularly for children.

• Redbacks shelter in dry, dark places and are often found beneath furniture, in sandpits, sheds, and beneath landscaping elements.
• Black house spiders create webs with funnel entrances, usually around windows, downpipes, and gutters.
• White-tailed spiders aren’t web builders; they may be hidden in curtains or beneath furniture.

Spider identification

Most species of spiders can be identified by sight. Some of Perth’s common species include:

• Huntsman spiders, which are large, usually brown, grey, or black, and have one pair of shorter legs
• Black house spiders, which are between 1 to 1.5 cm long and may be dark brown or black
• Redback spiders, which are typically black with a red or orange stripe on the abdomen
• White-tailed spiders, which are usually dark grey or reddish-brown and up to 18 mm in length