Black House Spiders in Melbourne: How to Identify Them and Get Rid of Them

If you’ve spotted lacy, funnel-shaped webs in the corners of your windows, brickwork or eaves, there’s a good chance you have black house spiders. They’re one of the most common spiders around Melbourne homes. Here’s how to identify them, whether you need to worry and how to keep their numbers down.

What is a black house spider?

Black house spiders have dark brown to black bodies and build messy, funnel-shaped webs, often described as lacy or tangled. The spider usually sits in a tunnel at the narrow end of the web and waits for insects to get caught. They’re sometimes called window spiders because webs often appear around window frames.

Where you’ll find them

• Around window frames and sills.
• In brickwork, gaps and corners of walls.
• Under eaves, in gutters and along fences.
• In sheds, garages and around outdoor furniture.

Are black house spiders dangerous?

Black house spiders are generally shy and tend to stay in or near their webs, and bites are uncommon. A bite can be painful and may cause local redness or swelling, and in some cases other symptoms. If someone is bitten, wash the area, apply a cold pack and seek medical advice. If symptoms are severe, call 000, and you can also call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

Is it a black house spider or something else?

Not every dark spider is a black house spider. If you’re unsure, don’t handle it. Redbacks, for example, are a different spider with different risks, and you can read more in our article on redback spiders in Australia.

Why they’re around your home

Black house spiders go where the food is. Lights attract insects, insects attract spiders, and sheltered gaps around windows and walls make a handy spot to build a web.

How to reduce black house spiders around your home

• Remove webs regularly: use a broom or vacuum with a long attachment, and wear gloves when working near corners and gaps.
• Reduce insects: turn off unnecessary outdoor lights, or switch to lights that attract fewer insects.
• Seal gaps: use silicone or weather seals around windows, doors and brickwork gaps.
• Trim back plants: keep branches and vines away from walls and eaves.
• Reduce clutter: clear stacks of boxes, wood and other items from sheds, garages and around the house.

Why the webs keep coming back

Removing the web doesn’t always remove the spider, and new ones can move in when conditions suit them. If the webs keep returning, the cause is usually the combination of insects and shelter around your home.

When to call a professional

• Webs return soon after you clear them.
• There are lots of spiders around windows, eaves or outdoor areas.
• The webs are in places that are hard or unsafe to reach.
• You’re concerned about children or pets.
• You aren’t sure what kind of spider you’re dealing with.

Frequently asked questions

Are black house spiders poisonous?

Strictly speaking, spiders are venomous rather than poisonous. Black house spider bites are uncommon and usually cause local pain, but see the first-aid advice above and seek medical advice if you’re unwell after a bite.

Do black house spiders bite?

They’re generally shy and retreat into their web. Bites usually happen when a spider is trapped or handled, so avoid touching webs and spiders with bare hands.

Will removing the web get rid of the spider?

Not always. A spider can rebuild quickly, and new ones can move in if there are still insects and sheltered gaps nearby.

Spider control across Melbourne

Mr Pest Controller helps with spiders across Melbourne, including Richmond, Box Hill, Glen Waverley, Frankston, Dandenong, Werribee and Craigieburn.

Spiders taking over your windows? Book a spider control inspection and we’ll help get them under control.