Black house spiders (Badumna insignis)

A common spider species found throughout much of Australia. These spiders often live in and around homes, buildings, and other structures, and are sometimes feared due to their venomous nature. In this post, we’ll discuss the description, habitat, behaviour, and potential danger of black house spiders in more detail.

Description:

Black house spiders have a dark brown or black body and can range in size from 1-3cm in length. They have a characteristic bulbous abdomen and long legs. The male spiders are often smaller than the females and have a more elongated abdomen. They are sometimes mistaken for funnel web spiders, but can be distinguished by their smaller size and less aggressive behaviour.

Habitat:

Black house spiders are often found in and around human-made structures such as houses, sheds, garages, and other buildings. They prefer dark and dry areas such as wall crevices, window sills, and eaves. They may also build webs in outdoor areas such as under eaves and in trees. While they are primarily found in urban and suburban areas, they can also be found in bushland and forest habitats.

Behaviour:

Black house spiders are primarily nocturnal and will often hunt for prey at night. They are known to feed on a variety of insects and other spiders. They are also known to be cannibalistic, with females often preying on males after mating. These spiders are not aggressive towards humans and will typically only bite if they feel threatened.

Potential Danger:

While black house spiders are venomous, their bites are not considered dangerous to humans. The venom is primarily used to immobilise their prey, which consists of other insects and spiders. In rare cases, a bite from a black house spider may cause mild symptoms such as pain, swelling, and itchiness, but these symptoms usually resolve on their own within a few days. It’s important to note that some people may be more sensitive to spider venom than others, and may experience more severe symptoms.

Prevention and Control:

While black house spiders are not typically considered dangerous to humans, they can be a nuisance if they build webs in or around your home. To prevent black house spiders from entering your home, it’s important to seal any cracks or openings in walls, windows, and doors. Keeping living areas clean and clutter-free can also help to deter spiders. If you do encounter a black house spider, it’s best to leave it alone and avoid provoking it.

Conclusion:

Black house spiders are a common spider species found throughout much of Australia. While they are venomous, their bites are not typically considered dangerous to humans. These spiders primarily prey on other insects and spiders, and can be a helpful predator in keeping pest populations under control. If you do encounter black house spiders in or around your home, taking preventive measures such as sealing cracks and keeping living areas clean can help to deter them from building webs in unwanted areas.