Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous? What You Need to Know About These Common Australian Arachnids

What Are Huntsman Spiders?

Huntsman spiders belong to the Sparassidae family, a group of large, fast-moving arachnids found throughout Australia. Unlike web-building spiders, huntsman spiders actively hunt down their prey — a behaviour that gives them their name. They are commonly found in gardens, under bark, inside sheds, and occasionally inside homes.

Key features of huntsman spiders include:

• Large leg span – some species can reach up to 15 cm across.
• Flattened bodies – allowing them to squeeze into narrow spaces.
• Brown or grey markings – often helping them camouflage.

Despite their intimidating appearance, these spiders are not naturally aggressive towards people.

How Do Huntsman Spiders Behave?

Huntsman spiders are typically:

• Nocturnal – most active at night.
• Quick to flee – running away from threats rather than confronting them.
• Silent hunters – they don’t build webs but stalk down insects.

Their presence in homes is usually accidental — they wander in seeking shelter or prey, such as cockroaches and other insects.

Do Huntsman Spiders Bite?

Yes, huntsman spiders can bite, but they generally do so only when they feel threatened, cornered, or accidentally disturbed. Unlike aggressive spider species, they do not seek out humans or bite unprovoked.

Because they are timid by nature, most huntsman spiders will try to escape when encountered. Bites usually occur when someone tries to handle or trap them without care.

Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous to Humans?

The short answer: no, huntsman spiders are not dangerous to humans. Their venom is designed to subdue insects, not people.

If a bite does occur, it is typically mild and not life-threatening. Common symptoms of a huntsman spider bite can include:

• Localised pain, redness, and swelling near the bite area.
• Mild itching or irritation.
• Rarely, people may feel headache, nausea or dizziness, but this is uncommon.

These symptoms are generally similar to a bee or wasp sting in intensity and typically subside within a few hours to a couple of days.

Serious reactions are rare, and there are no confirmed fatalities from huntsman spider bites in Australia. If you notice worsening symptoms, signs of infection (such as spreading redness or pus), or unusual reactions, seek medical attention promptly.

First Aid for a Huntsman Spider Bite

Huntsman spider bites are usually mild and non-dangerous, but proper first aid can help reduce discomfort, prevent infection, and support faster healing. Acting calmly and promptly is key.

1. Stay Calm and Reassure

Panic can increase heart rate and blood flow, which may intensify pain or swelling. Huntsman spider venom is not considered medically dangerous, and serious reactions are extremely rare. Staying calm helps your body respond more effectively.

2. Clean the Bite Thoroughly

Gently wash the affected area with soap and clean water to remove any bacteria from the skin and reduce the risk of infection. Avoid scrubbing, as broken skin can become irritated.

3. Apply a Cold Compress

Use an ice pack or a cold cloth wrapped in a towel and apply it to the bite site for 10–15 minutes at a time. This helps:

• Reduce swelling and inflammation
• Ease pain or burning sensations
• Limit redness around the bite

You can repeat this several times throughout the day as needed.

4. Manage Pain and Itching

If discomfort persists:

• Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol (avoid aspirin for children).
• Apply a mild antihistamine cream or hydrocortisone cream to reduce itching and redness.
• Avoid scratching, as this can break the skin and increase the risk of infection.

5. Monitor the Bite Area

Over the next 24–48 hours, keep an eye on the bite for signs of complications. Normal reactions may include mild swelling, redness, or tenderness. Seek medical advice if you notice:

• Increasing pain or swelling
• Spreading redness or warmth
• Pus, blistering, or signs of infection
• Flu-like symptoms such as fever, nausea, or dizziness

These symptoms are uncommon but should be assessed by a healthcare professional if they occur.

6. Seek Medical Attention if Necessary

Medical treatment is rarely required, but you should contact a doctor or health professional if:

• The bite is on the face, neck, or near a joint
• Symptoms worsen rather than improve
• The person bitten is a child, elderly, or immunocompromised
• You experience an unusual or severe reaction

If you are unsure, it’s always better to seek medical advice for peace of mind.

Important Reminder

There is no antivenom required for huntsman spider bites. Most bites resolve within a few hours to a couple of days with simple care and no long-term effects.

Are Huntsman Spiders Beneficial?

Interestingly, huntsman spiders can be helpful allies around your property. They prey on insects such as:

• Cockroaches
• Moths
• Flies

This natural pest control can reduce populations of nuisance insects in outdoor and indoor spaces.

While their appearance can be unsettling, they don’t damage property or pose a real threat to people. The main concern for most homeowners is the startle factor when a large spider appears unexpectedly.

Managing Huntsman Spiders in and Around Your Home

If you’d prefer not to have huntsman spiders inside your living spaces, there are effective steps you can take:

• Seal cracks and gaps around doors, windows and walls to limit entry.
• Reduce clutter both inside and outside, especially under furniture and in storage areas.
• Keep outdoor lighting minimal, as lights can attract insects that in turn attract spiders.
• Relocate spiders humanely using a glass and a stiff card if you encounter one indoors.

Professional Help: When to Call the Experts

While huntsman spiders are generally harmless, repeated sightings inside your home or signs of a larger spider presence may indicate a broader issue — such as other pests that attract spiders or entry points that need sealing.

If you find spiders frequently or feel uncomfortable handling them yourself, it’s wise to seek professional pest control services. Trained experts can:

• Assess your property for spider activity
• Identify entry points and pest attractants
• Provide safe, long-term solutions

Knockdown Pest Control offers reliable spider management tailored to your home or business, helping you keep huntsman spiders and other unwanted pests under control.