White-tailed spiders are active hunters and do not spin webs to capture prey. They prefer to roam at night and feed on other spiders, such as redback spiders and black house spiders.
While they are not considered one of Australia’s most venomous spiders, their bites can cause pain (like a bee sting), swelling, and redness. The white-tail (or white-tipped) spider’s bite has been blamed for causing severe skin ulceration in people, though this is now thought not to be the case.
What Does a White-Tailed Spider Look Like?
White-tailed spiders, also known as lampona spiders, are native to Australia and New Zealand. The two common species in southern Australia, L. murina and Lampona cylindrata look similar and have overlapping distributions in the southeast. These spiders’ bodies are shaped like dark reddish to grey cigars, with distinctive white tips on their abdomens.
White-tailed spiders can vary in size, but they typically have a body length of up to 18 millimetres and a leg span of up to 28 millimetres.
Here are some other defining characteristics of white-tailed spiders:
- Four faint white spots (not as distinct in adults) on the grey dorsal abdomen.
- Dark brown-orange bands on the legs.
The Difference Between Male and Female White-Tailed Spider
The main difference between male and female white-tailed spiders is their size. Female white-tailed spiders are typically larger than males, with a body length of up to 18 millimetres and a leg span of up to 40 millimetres. Male white-tailed spiders, on the other hand, have a body length of up to 12 millimetres and a leg span of up to 30 millimetres.
In addition to their size difference, male and female white-tailed spiders can also be distinguished by their colouration. Male white-tailed spiders tend to have a darker colouration (more of a dark reddish grey colour) than females, with a more pronounced black or grey abdomen. Females, on the other hand, have a slightly lighter colouration, with a more reddish-brown abdomen.
What Does a White-Tailed Spider Bite Look Like?
White-tailed spider bites are typically small, red, and raised. They may also be swollen, painful, and itchy. The bite area may also develop a blister or scab. Some of the symptoms of a white-tailed spider bite include:
- Small, red, raised welt
- Swelling
- Pain
- Itching
- Blister or scab
White-Tailed Spider Bite Treatment
A white-tail spider bite can be painful and cause temporary inflammation and irritation, but studies suggest the white-tail spider’s reputation for causing skin ulcers is not warranted. It seems the white tail’s lousy rep is overestimated and not deserved. Treatment of the symptoms may include simple remedies such as:
- Clean the affected area with a disinfectant or antiseptic.
- Apply an ice pack to the bitten area.
- Take a pain reliever to reduce pain, swelling and inflammation or
- Take an antihistamine to relieve itchiness.
Does a White-Tailed Spider Bite Cause Skin Ulceration?
There is a continuing debate across Australia about whether white-tail spider bites cause severe ulcerative skin lesions. However, there is still no direct evidence of a link. Sensationalist media reports of supposed cases of serious, so-called ‘necrotising arachnidism’ have given the white-tail spider a terrible reputation. However, it’s still better not to get bitten.
How to Get Rid of White-Tailed Spiders in Your House
If you are concerned about white-tailed spiders, you can take steps to prevent them from entering your home. If you have a large infestation of white-tailed spiders, you may need to call a professional pest control company such as Essential Pest Control in Geelong.
Preventative measures
- Seal up cracks and gaps: White-tailed spiders can enter your home through cracks and crevices in walls, windows, and doors. Sealing up these openings will help to keep them out.
- Keep your home clean and clutter-free: White-tailed spiders like to hide in dark, cluttered spaces. Keeping your home neat will make it less attractive to them.
- Store food and pet food properly: White-tailed spiders are attracted to food and pet food. Store these items in airtight containers off the floor.
- Remove old webs and egg sacs: White-tailed spiders lay eggs in old webs. Regularly removing old webs and egg sacs will help control the population.
Contact Essential Pest Solutions Today
If you have an infestation or are concerned about white-tail spiders in your house or yard, our experts at Essential Pest Solutions can help. Our fully trained and certified pest inspection and treatment team services the Geelong region and surrounding areas.
Contact Essential Pest Solutions today for a free white-tail spider pest control quote. Visit our website, call us at 0438 422 580, or email info@essentialpestsolutions.com.au for more information about getting rid of huntsman spiders on your Geelong property.
