Are huntsman spiders venomous? Perth facts
Yes, huntsman spiders are venomous. Almost all spiders possess venom for the purpose of subduing their prey. Huntsmen are large and flat, adapted for living under bark or in rock crevices.
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Published 12 October 2026 · Reading time 6 minutes · By DJ Pest
Are huntsman spiders venomous?
Almost all spiders possess venom for the purpose of subduing their prey. The venom consists of a complex mixture of chemicals of biological origin. In humans, the effects of spider venom usually cause only localised pain and swelling. Despite their size and appearance, huntsman spiders are generally not aggressive. Their bites usually result only in local pain lasting for a short time and swelling.
The key distinction is between a spider that possesses venom (to subdue prey, which are normally insects) and one that poses a genuine threat to humans. Huntsman spiders are not dangerous to people. Huntsman spiders feed on insects and other invertebrates. Many homeowners welcome them for this reason.
What does a huntsman spider look like?
Huntsman spiders belong to the family Sparassidae. They are large and long-legged. Female body length is around 2 centimetres, males 1.6 centimetres. Leg span reaches up to 15 centimetres. They are mostly grey to brown, sometimes with banded legs. Many species have rather flattened bodies adapted for living in narrow spaces under loose bark or rock crevices.
Their legs spread flat and laterally, in a crab-like fashion, rather than bending vertically. This crab-like posture is called 'giant crab spiders'. Many huntsman species, especially Delena (the flattest), have flattened bodies adapted for living in narrow spaces under bark or rock crevices. The two front pairs of their legs are significantly longer than the back two. Some species are patterned in motley brown, white and black. Brown Huntsman spiders (Heteropoda species) and Badge Huntsman spiders (Neosparassus) have less flattened bodies than Delena.
Female huntsman spiders produce a flat, oval egg sac of white papery silk and lay up to 200 eggs. They place it under cover and stand guard over it, without eating, for about three weeks. During this period the female can be quite aggressive and will rear up in a defensive display if provoked. In some species, the female may moisten and tear the egg sac open, helping her spiderlings to emerge. Some species even carry their egg sac under their bodies while moving about. In other species, like Delena, the female lays a ground-sheet of silk upon which the egg sac is anchored while the eggs are laid into it. Incubation periods vary and are probably influenced by climatic conditions. Young huntsman spiders are pale. They undergo several moults while still with their mother, hardening to a darker brown, and eventually disperse. The mother stays with them for several weeks after they hatch. Many huntsman spiders live peacefully together in large colonies. The lifespan of most huntsman species is about two years or more. Male and female huntsman spiders have a lengthy courtship, involving mutual caresses, with the male drumming his palps on the trunk of a tree before mating.
Where do huntsman spiders live?
Huntsman spiders are found living under loose bark on trees, in crevices on rock walls, in logs, under rocks and slabs of bark on the ground, and on foliage. They sometimes enter houses and are notorious for entering cars, being found hiding behind sun visors or running across the dashboard. Dozens of the social huntsman species, Delena cancerides, can be seen sitting together under bark on dead trees and stumps, notably wattles.
These genera are generally widely distributed throughout Australia. Huntsman spiders have a lifespan of about two years or more.
Do huntsman spiders bite?
Even though most spiders are not aggressive, they may bite in self-defence if frightened, threatened or accidentally touched. During egg-sac defence, female huntsmans can rear up in a defensive display if provoked, as they stand guard over the egg sac without eating for about three weeks.
Huntsman spider bites usually result only in local pain lasting for a short time and swelling. Spider fangs are often unable to penetrate human skin. If bitten, wash the bite site, apply antiseptic and a cool pack. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
What you can do yourself
Spiders play an important part in our environment because they are essential to natural ecosystems. Spiders usually feed on insects, making them quite beneficial to humans. Very few spiders are harmful. Huntsman spiders do not build webs. Their food consists of insects and other invertebrates. If a huntsman in the shed is your only complaint, save your money.
The best spider control methods are to prevent them from entering houses, such as by using protective clothing and gloves while gardening and doing similar activities.
If bitten, wash the bite site, apply antiseptic and a cool pack. Seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
What not to do
A single huntsman in the shed does not justify the cost of professional treatment.
If cockroaches are the actual problem, see our guide to cockroach control.
When to call a professional
Work is carried out by, or under the direct supervision of, a technician holding a WA pest management technician's licence under the Health (Pesticides) Regulations 2011. See professional spider management.
Webs are removed and harbourage zones are treated (eaves, gutter lines, weep holes, window frames, fence lines, sub-floor vents, the outside of sheds). Every visible reticulation valve box is opened and treated. For a general guide to pest control investment, see our pricing page. General pest treatment carries a six-month re-treatment promise (terms at djpest.com.au/warranty).
Text your suburb and what you're seeing to 0468 170 107 for a written price.
Frequently asked
Are all huntsman spiders venomous?
Yes. Almost all spiders possess venom for the purpose of subduing their prey. It's a hunting tool for insects, not a threat to people.
How long do huntsman spiders live?
Most huntsman species live about two years or more. Like all spiders, they moult in order to grow.
Do huntsman spiders build webs?
No. Their food consists of insects and other invertebrates.
What should I do if I find a huntsman in my house?
Their bites usually result only in local pain lasting for a short time and swelling.
Are huntsman spiders dangerous?
No. Their bites usually result only in local pain lasting for a short time and swelling.
Do I need pest control for huntsman spiders?
A single huntsman in the shed does not justify professional treatment. If you have redbacks or other spider problems, huntsmen will be treated incidentally as part of that job.
Sources
- Australian Museum: Huntsman Spiders
- Victorian Department of Health: Spiders, pest control
- HealthyWA: First aid for bites and stings
More guides on spiders
Related
- Spider Control Perth, the full service and the investment
- Every guide on spiders
- Pest management investment ranges in Perth, every service with a typical range
- What's my pest?, pick what you saw
- All pest guides
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