Are you looking for effective solutions on how to get rid of funnel web spiders in your home? Funnel web spiders can be a nuisance, as they can quickly spread throughout your home and create a web of webs. Thankfully, there are several strategies you can use to prevent these spiders from entering your home, as well as effective solutions for getting rid of them if they do manage to make their way inside. In this article, we will discuss how to get rid of funnel web spiders in your home, and provide some effective solutions for spider prevention.
What are Funnel Web Spiders?
Funnel web spiders are a large and diverse group of spiders that are found in the family Agelenidae. They are characterized by their funnel-shaped webs, which are used to trap prey. Funnel web spiders are found in many parts of the world, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Australia. They are typically dark brown or black in color, with a glossy body. They are also relatively large, ranging in size from 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length.
Funnel web spiders are predatory and feed on a variety of small insects, such as flies, moths, and beetles. They are also known to feed on larger prey, such as lizards and small birds. They use their webs to capture their prey, which they then inject with a venom that paralyzes the prey.
| Characteristics | Details |
|---|---|
| Family | Agelenidae |
| Web | Funnel-shaped |
| Color | Dark brown or black |
| Size | 0.5 – 1.5 inches |
| Diet | Small insects, lizards, small birds |
Identifying Funnel Web Spiders
- Funnel web spiders have a thick, dark body and long spindly legs.
- Their body length can range from 0.5 to 5 cm.
- Their color is usually dark gray or brown with lighter gray or white markings.
- Most species have a distinct pattern of stripes or dots on the abdomen.
- Funnel web spiders have two long front legs, which are used to sense prey.
- These spiders often build funnel-shaped webs, which they hide in during the day.
- Funnel web spiders can be found in dark, damp places such as basements, attics, and sheds.
The Dangers of Funnel Web Spiders
- Funnel web spiders have a highly toxic venom which can be fatal to humans.
- The venom of the funnel web spider can cause pain, sweating, nausea, and vomiting.
- In severe cases, it can cause heart failure, breathing problems, and in some cases, death.
- Severe reactions to funnel web spider bites can occur within minutes.
- The bite of a funnel web spider can cause anaphylactic shock, a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Prevention and Deterrents for Funnel Web Spiders
The best way to get rid of funnel web spiders is to prevent them from entering your home in the first place. To do this, seal up any potential entry points such as cracks and crevices. Ensure all windows and doors are properly sealed and use mesh insect screens to keep spiders out. Remove any webs and spider egg sacs that you find on the exterior of your home.
Keep your outdoor areas free of clutter and debris, as spiders like to hide in these places. Clean up leaf litter, wood piles, and other debris on a regular basis. Regularly check for webs and spiders, and use a vacuum to remove any that you find.
Insecticides can also be used to deter funnel web spiders, however they are not 100% effective. Insecticides can be sprayed around the exterior of your home, as well as in any potential entry points. Make sure to read the labels carefully and follow the instructions.
Using natural deterrents such as citrus peels, cedar, and eucalyptus can help to keep funnel web spiders away. Place these items in areas where you have seen spiders or webs, or near potential entry points.
Finally, keep the interior of your home free of clutter and debris. Vacuum regularly and use sticky traps to catch any spiders that may have made their way inside.
Non-Chemical Solutions for Funnel Web Spiders
In order to get rid of funnel web spiders, there are a few non-chemical methods that can be used.
One of the most effective ways is to reduce the spider’s food source. This can be done by making sure that all other pests, such as cockroaches and ants, are eliminated. This will help to reduce the number of spiders in the area. Additionally, it is important to keep the area clean and free of clutter, as spiders like to hide in such places.
The use of a vacuum cleaner is also an effective way to get rid of funnel web spiders. Vacuuming the spiders up and disposing of them in a sealed bag will help to remove them from the property.
Finally, the use of physical barriers such as fly screens and weather stripping around windows and doors can help to prevent spiders from entering the home. This can be an effective way to keep funnel web spiders away from the property.
With the use of these non-chemical methods, it is possible to get rid of funnel web spiders and keep them away from the property.
Chemical Solutions for Funnel Web Spiders
- Apply an insecticide spray specifically formulated to target spiders. These are available in many hardware stores.
- Dust insecticides can be applied to wall and floor cracks, crevices and other areas where spiders may hide. These dusts may also contain insect growth regulators which inhibit egg production.
- Aerosol insecticides can be used in attics and crawl spaces to kill spiders. These aerosols often contain synthetic pyrethroids, which are a type of neurotoxin.
- Baits containing insecticides can be placed in areas where spiders are likely to be found. These baits contain an attractant that draws the spiders to them and the insecticide kills them upon ingestion.
Professional Extermination of Funnel Web Spiders
| Procedure | Description |
|---|---|
| Inspection | A professional pest control technician will inspect the area to identify any infestations, determine the extent of the problem and identify any possible entry points. |
| Identification | The technician will identify the type of spider, so that the correct type of treatment can be applied. |
| Treatment | The technician will use a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments to eliminate the infestation and prevent future infestations. |
| Prevention | The technician will provide advice on how to prevent future infestations, such as sealing any potential entry points and keeping the area clean and dry. |
Professional extermination of funnel web spiders is the best way to get rid of them. A professional pest control technician with the necessary experience and equipment will be able to identify, treat and prevent any infestations. The technician will inspect the area to identify any infestations, determine the extent of the problem and identify any possible entry points. They will then identify the type of spider present, so that the correct type of treatment can be applied. This may involve a combination of chemical and non-chemical treatments to eliminate the infestation and prevent future infestations. The technician will also provide advice on how to prevent future infestations, such as sealing any potential entry points and keeping the area clean and dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most effective solutions for preventing funnel web spiders in the home?
Installing window and door screens, sealing cracks and crevices around the house, and de-cluttering areas near the house can help prevent funnel web spiders from entering the home. Additionally, keeping the lawn and garden well-maintained, and removing any wood piles or debris near the home can reduce the number of funnel webs in the vicinity. Using insecticides approved for use against funnel webs can also help keep them away.
How can I identify a funnel web spider?
Funnel web spiders are easily identifiable by their glossy black bodies and long, spiny legs. They are medium to large in size, typically darker in color than most other spiders, and can reach up to 2 inches in length. Funnel web spiders typically build their webs in dark, moist places such as under logs, rocks, and in the crevices of trees. They also like to find shelter in dark, undisturbed areas like basements, attics and crawlspaces. The webs of funnel web spiders are easily identifiable by their funnel-like shape.
Are There Any Natural Ways to Keep Funnel Web Spiders Away?
No natural repellents are known to keep funnel web spiders away, however there are some natural ways to reduce the risk of an infestation in your home. Cleaning and clearing any potentially spider-friendly habitats, such as wood piles and leaf piles, can help. Keeping any areas of your home free from clutter can also reduce the risk of spiders entering. Additionally, filling any cracks or crevices in your home with caulk can help keep funnel web spiders away.
Is it safe to use chemical solutions to get rid of funnel web spiders?
Chemical solutions can be effective in getting rid of funnel web spiders, however they should be used with caution as chemical exposure can be dangerous for humans and other animals. It is important to use chemical solutions in a well-ventilated area, as well as following the instructions on the packaging. It is also important to make sure chemical solutions are not used in places where humans or animals will come into contact with them.
Is it Possible to Humanely Kill a Funnel Web Spider?
Humanely killing a funnel web spider requires a quick and painless method. The best way to achieve this is to use a vacuum cleaner to suck the spider up and then release it outside away from the house. Alternatively, a bug spray containing pyrethrin can be used to kill the spider. It should be sprayed from a distance and should not come into contact with the spider.
Conclusion
Funnel web spiders should not be taken lightly and can cause serious harm if left unchecked. Taking some or all of the above preventative measures can help to keep your home free of these spiders and keep you and your family safe. Regularly cleaning and vacuuming any webs or spiders you see, keeping your home free of clutter, and sealing any cracks or gaps where they can enter are all effective ways to minimize the chances of having a funnel web spider infestation in your home.
