The female constructs several white silk egg sacs, which are secured within the web retreat. The female stays with the eggs until they hatch. The spiderlings then disperse. The spiders mature during summertime and live for about two years.
If you are confident that the spider is harmless and you are comfortable with getting close to it, simply cover it with a cup, slide some paper underneath it, and release it into the outdoors where it belongs. Try not to kill the spider, as they can get riled up if you happen to miss.
While it can sound like something out of a horror movie, in Australia the transition from late summer to fall can trigger what is known to the locals as spider season.
White-Tailed Spider
These guys are found all throughout Australia and are most recognizable by the white tip on the end of their abdomen. For those who have not seen one before, they are actually very small! Females are no longer than 2cm, while males are much smaller at only 1.3cm.
Spiders instinctively know to find shelter as it gets colder, such as leaves or inside crevices in tree bark. Those small, sheltered places, combined with their antifreeze, keeps them alive until spring.
Most spiders you see around your home are more active at night. Some are active during the day but prefer to hide in corners. Don't expect spiders to follow your activity and sleep cycle, though. You'll often see spiders weaving webs in the mornings.
Feeding and diet
Around houses, Black House Spiders feed upon insects such as moths, beetles and termites which are attracted to the light of windows and lamps at night.
Although they may be looking for potential prey, huntsman spiders will often find their way into your home during the warmer months to get away from the summer heat. Squeezing into gaps under doors and windows is natural behaviour and so makes them feel right at home.
In Australia they are only found in the southeastern part of the country, from South Australia to Queensland via Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania. You won't find them in the dry and arid zones. On the other hand, huntsman and wolf-spiders are found all over the country.
Spiders typically start their invasion of homes from September through to October each year. Thankfully, those who are afraid of the creatures won't have to put up with the unwelcome intruders for long, as they tend to be spotted less often indoors by the first week of October.
What is the biggest spider in Australia? Australia's biggest spiders belong to the same family as the Goliath Spider. They are the whistling spiders. The northern species Selenocosmia crassipes can grow to 6 cm in body length with a leg span of 16 cm.
Spiders really don't like strong scents such as citrus, peppermint, tea-tree, lavender, rose or cinnamon. Add 15 to 20 drops of your chosen essential oil or a couple of capfuls of Zoflora fragrance to a spray bottle filled with water, and spritz around the house.
Spiders do not sleep in the same way that humans do, but like us, they do have daily cycles of activity and rest. Spiders can't close their eyes because they don't have eyelids but they reduce their activity levels and lower their metabolic rate to conserve energy.
Animals which feed directly on spiders include birds, reptiles, mammals and many arthropods, including other spiders, centipedes, scorpions and even some insects.
Due to their low weight compared with body surface area, and the thread acting as a parachute, a true spider should survive a fall. However, if it is a type of house spider, it may not survive outside regardless of any issues with falling.
Black House Spiders
Poisonous but not lethal. This spider is commonly seen in the home but goes unnoticed. Bites are rare, however, it has been reported that people who are bitten can experience severe pain around the bite site and heavy sweating. Remember!
Besides being a natural way to repel houseflies, having a mint, lavender, eucalyptus, lemon balm, or lemon grass plant repels spiders! You can plant some of these herbs along or under window sills to prevent a spider problem from happening in your home.
Generally, spiders want to avoid humans and will only bite as a defense mechanism if they are provoked. Many are extraordinary at hiding or camouflaging themselves because they don't want to be seen.
They are not curious about us. They are in your room because they are looking for bugs to eat. You are not food, so you are not on their radar, so to speak. If they sense you moving towards them, they will run away, fearing you as a predator that is going to eat them.
Spiders love to hide in the dark, debris-filled cracks away from humans. Be sure to give the space under your bed a lot of attention while you're cleaning. Since it tends to be dark and dusty under beds, they're an ideal place for spiders to hide away.
Does Vicks keep spiders away? Strangely, it does! The eucalyptus and menthol in Vicks VapoRub are also scents spiders hate. You can rub Vicks straight onto your chest, in the corners of your room, under your bed, and around your windows and doors to reap the benefits of unblocked airways and a spider-free zone.
Vinegar Spray
Vinegar is used in many homemade cleaners, however not many people know, that vinegar is an excellent bugs and spiders repellent. Prepare a solution of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water, and spray around your home.