Black house spiders are commonly found in urban areas and often build webs around window frames. Their appearance can be easily confused with funnel-web spiders due to their similar look and habit of constructing elaborate webs with funnel-shaped entrances. However, the webs built by black house spiders are more funnel-like in shape than those made by funnel-web spiders.
Black house spiders, which belong to the Desidae family, have a robust, dark appearance with grey hairs on their carapace. The males are smaller than the females, and both have dark brown to black carapaces and legs. Their abdomen is charcoal grey, and their upper part has white markings.
Black house spiders can be found throughout southern and eastern Australia on various surfaces, including tree trunks, logs, rock walls, and buildings. These spiders tend to reside inside homes in window frames and wall crevices. Juvenile black house spiders are often more exposed, while adult spiders prefer to stay in more secure locations, such as beneath bark or deep cracks.
Female black house spiders produce several egg sacs, which they carefully keep inside their web retreat. The egg sacs are made of white silk, and the female guards them until they hatch. After hatching, the spiderlings leave the sacs and disperse. These young spiders grow and mature during summer and typically live for about two years.
Female black house spiders tend to stay within their webs, continuously adding new layers of silk. Meanwhile, male black house spiders, upon reaching sexual maturity, will approach females in their webs by plucking the strands to gain their attention. After receiving a response from the female, the male will use the stored sperm in his palps to inseminate her. The pair may remain together for several days and mate multiple times.
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While black house spiders are generally shy and do not frequently bite humans, their bites can result in significant pain and localised swelling. Rarely, their bites may produce symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, sweating, and dizziness. If multiple bites occur, skin lesions can develop. Therefore, it is advisable to alleviate local pain with a cold compress and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
To prevent black house spiders from entering your home, it’s crucial to seal all cracks, gaps, and crevices that may serve as entry points. Additionally, using a vacuum or broom to eliminate other spiders, webs, and their eggs can help prevent these spiders from being drawn to your home. It’s also essential to keep spider food sources to a minimum and remove any hiding spots.
Black house spiders prey on insects, such as moths, beetles, ants, flies, bees, and termites, commonly found in homes. As a result, black house spiders may enter residential properties to capture their prey.