The Gold Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches, sunny weather, and outdoor lifestyle. Unfortunately, it’s also home to a wide variety of spiders. While most spiders are harmless and even help control insects, some can be dangerous and unsettling when they invade your home.
Knowing which species you’re dealing with—and how to safely eliminate them—is key to keeping your property spider-free. Here’s your complete guide to the most common spider species in the Gold Coast and the best ways to get rid of them.
Why Spiders Are So Common in Gold Coast
The Gold Coast’s warm, humid climate creates an ideal environment for spiders to thrive. They are attracted to homes and gardens that provide:
Shelter (in cracks, corners, or sheds)
Food (other insects)
Darkness and moisture
Spiders tend to increase during spring and summer when insect populations grow, making it their peak breeding season.
1. Redback Spider (Latrodectus Hasselt)
Identification:
The redback spider is one of Australia’s most notorious species. It’s easily recognizable by the red or orange stripe on its black body. Females are larger and more venomous than males. They often build messy, sticky webs in sheltered, dry areas like sheds, mailboxes, garages, and outdoor furniture.
Are They Dangerous?
Yes. The bite of a redback spider can cause severe pain, sweating, nausea, and in rare cases, serious illness. Medical attention should be sought immediately if bitten.
How to Get Rid of Redback Spiders:
Avoid direct contact. Never try to remove them by hand.
Vacuum webs carefully and dispose of the contents outside.
Apply professional-grade residual sprays around hiding spots, fences, and doorways.
Hire a licensed pest control company in the Gold Coast for full property treatment if multiple redbacks are found.
Regular inspections, especially in outdoor areas, are essential to prevent re-infestation.
2. Huntsman Spider (Sparassidae family)
Identification:
Huntsman spiders are large, flat-bodied, and fast-moving with leg spans of up to 15 cm. Their brown or grey colour helps them blend into walls, tree bark, or ceilings. They are common inside homes, especially during warmer months.
Are They Dangerous?
Huntsman spiders may look scary, but they are harmless to humans. They rarely bite and are actually beneficial as they feed on cockroaches and other insects.
How to Get Rid of Huntsman Spiders:
Gently remove them using a container and paper—release them outside if you’re comfortable doing so.
Seal entry points like gaps around doors and windows.
Reduce clutter inside garages and sheds where they hide.
Professional pest control can apply spider barriers to keep them from re-entering.
Keeping your home tidy and well-sealed is often enough to deter these gentle giants.
3. Funnel-Web Spider (Atrax species)
Identification:
The funnel-web spider is one of Australia’s most dangerous spiders. It is shiny black or dark brown, with a large body and powerful fangs. It builds funnel-shaped webs in moist areas such as under logs, rocks, or garden debris.
Are They Dangerous?
Yes—extremely. The bite of a funnel-web spider can be life-threatening. Their venom acts quickly, and immediate medical attention is required.
How to Get Rid of Funnel-Web Spiders:
Do not attempt to handle them yourself.
Keep children and pets away from suspected areas.
Contact a licensed pest control company experienced
with venomous spiders.
Maintain clean, dry outdoor areas to reduce hiding spots.
Regularly inspect gardens, wood piles, and damp soil.
For safety, always leave funnel-web control to professionals in the Gold Coast who are trained in safe removal and treatment.
4. Wolf Spider (Glycosidase family)
Identification:
Wolf spiders are robust, fast-moving hunters that do not build webs. They range from grey to brown with dark markings. These spiders are often found in gardens, lawns, and under rocks but can sometimes wander indoors.
Are They Dangerous?
Wolf spiders can bite if provoked, but their bites are not lethal. Symptoms include mild pain and swelling. They are more of a nuisance than a threat.
How to Get Rid of Wolf Spiders:
Keep your lawn trimmed and clear debris like rocks or wood piles.
Seal entry gaps around foundations and doors.
Vacuum spiders and egg sacs if seen indoors.
Use residual pest sprays around skirting boards and garage areas.
Wolf spiders often appear after heavy rain when their outdoor habitats are disturbed, so preventive barriers are especially useful
.
5. Orb-Weaving Spider (Araneidae family)
Identification:
Orb-weaving spiders are known for their beautiful circular webs, often seen between trees, fences, or garden plants. They vary in colour—brown, yellow, or orange—and are mostly nocturnal.
Are They Dangerous?
No. Orb-weavers are non-aggressive and beneficial, feeding on mosquitoes, flies, and moths. However, their large webs can be inconvenient, especially near walkways or doorways.
How to Get Rid of Orb-Weaving Spiders:
Remove webs with a broom or vacuum after ensuring the spider has left.
Trim vegetation near your home to reduce web-building sites.
Outdoor lighting adjustments help since lights attract insects (and spiders).
For excessive webs, a professional exterior treatment can discourage rewebbing.
Encouraging these spiders to move away rather than eliminating them entirely helps maintain natural insect control.
6. Daddy Long Legs (Phocidae family)
Identification:
These delicate spiders have small bodies and very long, thin legs. They often live in corners of ceilings, basements, or bathrooms and build irregular, messy webs.
Are They Dangerous?
Despite myths, daddy long legs are harmless. Their fangs are too small to pierce human skin, and their venom is not dangerous.
How to Get Rid of Daddy Long Legs:
Vacuum webs and corners regularly.
Reduce humidity inside bathrooms or basements using ventilation.
Seal entry points to minimize insect prey that attracts them.
They’re easy to control through regular cleaning and light pest management.
Professional Spider Treatment in Gold Coast
While DIY methods can help for mild spider problems, professional pest control offers the most effective and lasting solution, especially for venomous or recurring infestations.
Licensed Gold Coast pest control technicians use:
Residual chemical sprays for long-term protection
Dusting treatments in roof voids and cracks
High-pressure exterior spraying for eaves and gutters
Follow-up inspections to ensure spiders don’t return
Professionals also focus on prevention, identifying areas that attract spiders and reducing their food sources (other insects).
Spider Prevention Tips for Every Home
To keep spiders away after treatment, follow these simple preventive steps:
Seal gaps and cracks around windows, doors, and vents.
Regularly clean webs and dust corners.
Reduce clutter in garages, sheds, and under furniture.
Keep outdoor lighting minimal to avoid attracting flying insects.
Store firewood and garden materials away from walls.
Schedule annual pest inspections, especially before summer.
A combination of cleaning, maintenance, and professional treatment ensures long-term protection from spiders.
Final Thoughts
The Gold Coast’s tropical climate means spiders are here to stay—but that doesn’t mean they have to share your home. Whether it’s harmless huntsman spiders or dangerous redbacks and funnel-webs, identifying the species is the first step to effective control
For peace of mind and safety, especially when dealing with venomous spiders, professional pest control services are the best option. With the right treatment and prevention, you can enjoy a comfortable, spider-free home all year round.