Are huntsman spiders harmful or harmless?

Huntsman spiders are a common sight in many homes and gardens across Australia and New Zealand. Known for their large size and fast movements, these spiders often inspire fear in those who encounter them, but are they truly harmful? In this article, we will explore whether huntsman spiders are harmful or harmless to humans, how to identify them, and what to do if you encounter one.

What are huntsman spiders?

Huntsman spiders, also known as Sparassidae, are a family of large, fast-moving spiders found across Australia, New Zealand, and other parts of the world. They get their name from their hunting style. Unlike many different spiders that build webs to trap prey, huntsman spiders are active hunters. They use their speed and agility to chase down and catch prey, such as insects and small vertebrates like lizards.

There are over 100 species of huntsman spiders. Still, the most commonly encountered species in New Zealand and Australia are the Giant Huntsman Spider (Heteropoda maxima) and the Brown Huntsman Spider (Isopeda sp.). Huntsman spiders are easily recognised by their large size, long legs, and flattened bodies.

Huntsman spider appearance

Huntsman spiders are known for their impressive size. Some species can have leg spans of up to 30 cm or more, which can make them appear quite intimidating. However, their large size does not mean they are dangerous to humans.

The body of a huntsman spider is generally brown or grey, and their legs are long and covered with hairs that help them detect vibrations in their environment. The legs are spread out sideways, which is why huntsman spiders are often described as flattened.

Their legs are also long and spindly, allowing them to move quickly and efficiently. Huntsman spiders do not spin webs to catch their prey; instead, they chase and pounce on their prey like a hunter. Despite their size, huntsman spiders are very agile and can move extremely quickly when startled.

Are huntsman spiders harmful to humans?

The short answer is: No, huntsman spiders are not harmful to humans.

Huntsman spiders have venom, like all spiders, but their venom is not dangerous to humans. The venom is used to subdue and digest their prey, such as insects. Although huntsman spiders are large and their bite can be pretty painful, their bites are not considered life-threatening.

In fact, huntsman spiders are not aggressive toward humans and will generally only bite if they feel threatened or cornered. When a huntsman spider bites, it is usually a defensive reaction, not an attack. Most bites result in temporary redness, swelling, and pain, similar to the bite of a bee or wasp. For the majority of people, huntsman spider bites are a minor inconvenience, and the symptoms subside on their own within a few hours or days.

Common symptoms of a huntsman spider bite

If a huntsman spider bites you, the symptoms are typically mild and temporary. Some common symptoms of a huntsman spider bite may include:

• Redness and swelling around the bite site
• Pain or tenderness, which may feel similar to the sting of a bee
• Itching or irritation at the bite site
• Minor bruising (in rare cases)
• Nausea or dizziness (in sporadic cases)

Huntsman spider bites are generally not serious. However, if you experience severe reactions such as extreme pain, fever, or difficulty breathing, you should seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms are unlikely to be caused by a huntsman spider bite but may be signs of an allergic reaction or infection.

Are huntsman spiders aggressive?

Huntsman spiders are generally not aggressive towards humans. They are shy creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation. If you encounter a huntsman spider, it will usually try to escape rather than fight. Huntsman spiders are not known to seek out human encounters actively; they would rather remain hidden in their natural environment, such as behind furniture, in sheds, or under tree bark.

However, if they feel threatened or cornered, they may bite in self-defence. It’s important to remember that their bites are a last resort and usually occur when they cannot escape or if they are handled.

While they may seem intimidating because of their size and fast movements, huntsman spiders are not aggressive by nature. In fact, they are highly beneficial for controlling insect populations, as they primarily feed on cockroaches, flies, and other household pests. In this way, they can actually help reduce the need for chemical pest control methods.

How to identify a huntsman spider?

Identifying a huntsman spider is relatively easy, given their distinctive characteristics. Here’s what to look out for:

1. Size: Huntsman spiders are large, with some species having leg spans up to 30 cm. Their body size can range from 2 cm to 10 cm.
    
2. Legs: Huntsman spiders have long, spindly legs that are spread out sideways. The legs are typically covered in fine hairs.
    
3. Colour: The colour of a huntsman spider is generally brown or grey with mottled patterns, which helps them blend in with their surroundings.
    
4. Body shape: Their bodies are flattened, and they have large, forward-facing eyes.

If you encounter a large spider with these features, it's likely a huntsman.

What to do if you encounter a huntsman spider?

If you come across a huntsman spider in your home or garden, there’s no need to panic. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Don’t harm the spider: Huntsman spiders are beneficial for controlling pests. If possible, leave the spider alone to do its job.
    
2. Create an escape route: If the spider is inside your home, gently coax it into a container or box. You can then safely release it outside. Make sure the spider has a clear path to exit the house.
    
3. Wear gloves: If you need to handle the spider, always wear gloves to avoid being bitten, especially if you are unsure about its behaviour.

Contact a pest control expert: If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe handling the spider yourself, contact a professional spider control company like Rentokil NZ to remove the spider safely.

Huntsman spider prevention tips

To reduce the chances of a huntsman spider making its way into your home, here are some preventive measures you can take:

1. Seal cracks and gaps: Huntsman spiders can enter through small cracks and gaps in windows, doors, and walls. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal these entry points.
    
2. Keep your home clean: Huntsman spiders prey on insects, so reducing the number of pests in your home will make it less attractive to them. Regularly vacuum and clean areas like basements, attics, and under furniture.
    
3. Reduce clutter: Spiders love hiding in cluttered spaces. Keep your home tidy and free of unnecessary clutter, particularly in basements, attics, and garages.
    
4. Use pest control methods: If you have a significant spider problem, consider seeking professional pest control services to help manage the situation.

Conclusion

Huntsman spiders are harmless to humans, despite their intimidating size and appearance. While their bites can cause mild pain and swelling, they are not dangerous and rarely cause severe harm. In fact, huntsman spiders are beneficial to humans, as they help control pest populations by preying on insects such as cockroaches.

If you encounter a huntsman spider in your home, there’s no need to panic. Most of the time, they will simply try to escape or hide. By taking a few simple preventive measures, you can reduce the likelihood of these spiders entering your home. And remember, if you do need help handling a huntsman spider, contacting Rentokil NZ is always an option.