What kind of spider do I have?

Use this guide to compare size, colour, and where you see them. Black or brown with red/orange hourglass = button spider (medically significant). Brown with dark violin on head = violin spider (medically significant). Pale indoors = often sac spider. Large brown on wall = rain spider or huntsman. Long thin legs in corner web = cellar spider (daddy long-legs). Large yellow in big web = golden orb weaver. Ground runner = often wolf spider. Large hairy in burrow = baboon spider. Small jumper on window = jumping spider.

Where are spiders usually found?

Sac and cellar spiders are very common indoors (corners, bedding, ceilings). Button spiders prefer gardens, sheds, and quiet corners; violin spiders in dark, undisturbed spots. Rain and huntsman spiders enter homes (walls, behind pictures). Golden orb weavers and wolf spiders are in gardens; baboon spiders in burrows; jumping spiders on windows and walls. Location and web type help identify.

Which spiders are dangerous?

In South Africa, button spiders (black and brown) and violin spiders (recluse) have bites that can be medically significant; seek medical attention if bitten. Sac spider bites can be painful but are usually not life-threatening. Rain, huntsman, cellar, golden orb, wolf, baboon, and jumping spiders are not considered medically significant.

What is a daddy long-legs?

Usually the cellar spider (Pholcidae): small body, very long thin legs, messy web in corners. Harmless. Sometimes the term is also used for harvestmen (opiliones), which are not spiders.

Why do I have spiders?

Spiders follow prey and shelter. Flies and other insects attract them. Gaps and open windows let them in. Rain and season can push rain spiders and others indoors. Reducing prey and sealing entry points helps.

When should I get professional help?

Get help for suspected button or violin spider bites, recurring sac spiders or bites in the home, or if you want safe identification and removal of medically significant spiders. For rain, huntsman, cellar, orb weaver, wolf, baboon, and jumping spiders, relocation or leaving them in place is usually enough.

How do I use the quick comparison table?

Match what you see (size, colour, where found, behaviour clue) to the most likely spider in the table. Then read that species card for full details and “Often confused with.” Link through to Spider Control Cape Town when you need treatment.

Spider Identification Guide

South Africa has many spider species; most are harmless. This guide covers the spiders you are most likely to see in and around homes and gardens — including button spiders and violin spiders (medically significant), sac spiders (often implicated in bites), and common harmless species such as rain spiders, huntsman, cellar spiders, golden orb weavers, wolf spiders, and baboon spiders. Correct identification helps you know when to leave them alone and when to seek advice or control.

Compare spiders found in South African homes, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Button, violin, sac, rain, huntsman, cellar, orb weaver, wolf, baboon and jumping spiders.

Need help with spiders?

Call See Spider Control Cape Town

Person discovering a spider on a wall — identification guide context; species cards describe South African spiders in detail

How to use this guide

Compare size — small, medium, or large (leg span and body)
Compare colour — black, brown, grey, or patterned
Compare where you see them — web, ground, ceiling, garden, bathroom
Compare web type — orb, tangle, funnel, or no web (hunter)
Compare behaviour — in web, running, or in retreat/burrow
Then match to the most likely species card using the quick comparison table

Quick comparison

Spider	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Black button spider	Black or dark brown; red or orange marking	Body ~10–15 mm; leg span larger	Outdoors: under logs, vegetation; rarely indoors	Medically significant; shiny round abdomen; red hourglass or spots
Brown button spider	Brown with variable markings	Body ~10–15 mm	Gardens, sheds, quiet corners; sometimes indoors	Medically significant; similar to black button; brown colouration
Violin spider	Tan to brown; dark violin on head	Body ~7–12 mm	Quiet dark spots; behind furniture; sheds; rarely seen	Medically significant; violin marking on cephalothorax; reclusive
Sac spider	Pale yellow to light brown	Body ~5–10 mm	Indoors: corners, curtains, bedding; gardens	Wandering hunter; sac retreat; often implicated in bites
Rain spider	Brown, banded legs; hairy	Large: leg span up to ~10 cm	Gardens, homes (after rain); walls, ceilings	Large and fast; harmless; enters in wet weather
Huntsman spider	Brown, grey; flat; banded legs	Large: leg span up to ~12 cm	Indoors: behind pictures, in cars; walls; gardens	Flat, fast; harmless; often behind picture frames
Cellar spider (daddy long-legs)	Pale grey or brown; very long thin legs	Small body ~5–8 mm; legs long	Indoors: corners, ceilings; messy webs	Long wispy legs; tangled web; harmless
Golden orb weaver	Yellow, gold, or orange; striped legs (species-dependent)	Large female; orb web often ~1–1.5 m across (T. senegalensis in SA refs)	Gardens; bushes; distinctive golden silk in sun	Huge orb web; golden silk; generally harmless in SA refs
Wolf spider	Brown, grey; hairy; robust	Medium to large: 10–35 mm	Ground; gardens; sometimes indoors	Ground hunter; no web; fast; harmless
Baboon spider	Brown to dark; very hairy	Large: body 2–4 cm; leg span ~15 cm	Ground burrows; gardens; under rocks	Tarantula family; burrow; can be defensive; mostly harmless
Jumping spider	Variable; often compact; large front eyes	Small: 5–15 mm	Indoors and gardens; windows; walls	Jumps; curious; harmless; often colourful

Species at a glance

Use the cards below to match what you see — appearance, where they are found, and behaviour.

Black Button Spider

Latrodectus indistinctus

Appearance

Black or dark brown; glossy round abdomen
Red, orange, or cream marking — often hourglass or spots on underside
Body about 10–15 mm; legs add to overall size
Web: irregular tangle, often in a retreat

Commonly found

Outdoors: under logsRocksVegetationQuiet garden cornersShedsRarely indoors in undisturbed areas

Behaviour

Button spiders (widow spiders) have a neurotoxic bite that can cause pain and systemic symptoms; medical attention may be needed. They are shy and bite only when disturbed. More common outdoors in the Western Cape and across South Africa. Web is messy, with a funnel or retreat where the spider hides.

Why you may be seeing them

Undisturbed spots — woodpiles, garden debris, sheds. They rarely enter busy living areas. Often found when moving logs or gardening.

Often confused with

Brown button spider (brown colour) · Other dark spiders without red marking (check underside)

When to get help

Bite suspected; spider in high-traffic area; or you want safe removal. Do not handle; seek medical advice if bitten.

Medically significant. Identification helps avoid confusion with harmless species.

Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Brown Button Spider

Latrodectus geometricus

Appearance

Brown with variable patterning; round abdomen
Orange or cream hourglass or markings on underside
Body about 10–15 mm
Web: irregular, often in corners or vegetation

Commonly found

GardensShedsQuiet cornersSometimes indoors in undisturbed roomsOutbuildings

Behaviour

Related to black button spider; bite can also be medically significant. Often more likely to be found near or inside buildings than the black button. Shy; retreats to web when disturbed. Common in South African suburbs and gardens.

Why you may be seeing them

Quiet, undisturbed spots — corners of sheds, behind furniture, in garden vegetation. May enter homes through open windows or gaps.

Often confused with

Black button spider (darker) · Other brown spiders (check for hourglass marking)

When to get help

Bite suspected; spider in living areas or bedrooms. Safe removal or control if numbers are a concern.

Brown button spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Violin Spider (Recluse)

Loxosceles spp.

Appearance

Tan to brown; distinctive dark violin or fiddle shape on the cephalothorax (head area)
Body about 7–12 mm; legs slender
Six eyes in pairs (most spiders have eight); reclusive, hides in retreats
No distinctive banding on legs

Commonly found

Quiet, dark placesBehind furnitureSheds and outbuildingsRarely seen in the openRock piles, woodpiles

Behaviour

Reclusive; bites can cause necrotic lesions in some cases and should be taken seriously. Not aggressive; bite usually when pressed against skin (e.g. in bedding or clothing). Found in parts of South Africa; identification by the violin marking is important. Seek medical attention if bitten.

Why you may be seeing them

Often only found when moving stored items, cleaning behind furniture, or after a bite. They hide in cracks and undisturbed spots.

Often confused with

Other brown spiders (check for violin marking on head) · Sac spider (no violin; paler)

When to get help

Bite suspected; spider with violin marking. Do not handle; seek medical advice. Professional removal if found in living areas.

Medically significant. Correct ID (violin marking) avoids confusion with harmless brown spiders.

Violin spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Sac Spider

Cheiracanthium spp. (e.g. C. furculatum)

Appearance

Pale yellow to light brown; slender
Body about 5–10 mm; long legs
No distinctive pattern; often creamy abdomen
Builds a silken sac retreat (not a typical orb web)

Commonly found

Indoors: cornersCurtainsBeddingBehind picturesGardensGrass and foliage

Behaviour

Wandering hunter; often implicated in painful bites (e.g. waking to a bite). Does not build orb webs; makes a small sac or retreat. Active at night. Common in South African homes; bites usually cause local pain and swelling; medical advice if severe.

Why you may be seeing them

They wander indoors seeking prey. Common in bedding, curtains, and corners. Often seen when moving bedding or cleaning.

Often confused with

Other pale spiders · Yellow sac spider (same genus)

When to get help

Recurring bites or many spiders indoors; bedrooms or children’s areas. Professional treatment can reduce numbers and entry points.

Sac spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Rain Spider

Palystes spp. (e.g. P. superciliosus)

Appearance

Brown with banded legs; hairy
Large: leg span up to about 10 cm
Robust body; long legs
No web — free-ranging hunter

Commonly found

GardensHomes (especially after rain)WallsCeilingsVegetation

Behaviour

Large, fast-moving spider that often enters homes before or after rain. Harmless to humans; preys on insects and small creatures. Can be startling due to size and speed. Widespread in South Africa; very common in Cape Town and Western Cape.

Why you may be seeing them

Weather changes, especially rain, drive them indoors. They also wander in from gardens. Often found on walls or ceilings.

Often confused with

Baboon spider (larger, ground-dwelling, more hairy) · Other large brown spiders

When to get help

Usually not medically urgent on common guidance, but bites can be painful if trapped. Gentle relocation or sealing; professional help if recurring indoors or bedrooms concern you.

Rain spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Baboon Spider

Theraphosidae (e.g. Harpactira, Harpactirella, Idiothele)

Appearance

Brown to dark; very hairy
Large: body 2–4 cm; leg span up to ~15 cm
Heavy-bodied; thick legs
Lives in burrows; no web at entrance

Commonly found

Ground burrowsGardensUnder rocksNatural veldRarely indoors

Behaviour

Tarantula family. Ground-dwelling; digs burrows or uses existing holes. Can be defensive if provoked; bite is painful but not considered medically significant for most species. Mostly encountered in gardens or when digging. Protected in some areas; avoid killing.

Why you may be seeing them

Gardening, moving rocks, or in natural vegetation. They rarely enter homes. Often seen at burrow entrance or crossing paths.

Often confused with

Rain spider (lighter, less hairy, often indoors) · Other large hairy spiders

When to get help

Usually not medically urgent on common African Snakebite Institute guidance, but bites are painful—do not handle. Gentle relocation or professional help if in high-traffic areas; check legal protection before harm.

Baboon spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Huntsman Spider

Sparassidae (e.g. Beregama, Heteropoda; rain spiders such as Palystes are also Sparassidae — compare body shape and leg posture)

Appearance

Brown, grey, or tan; often flat and leggy
Large: leg span up to about 12 cm or more; legs spread sideways
Banded or mottled legs; no web
Fast-moving; can run sideways

Commonly found

Behind pictures and mirrorsIn cars (sun visors, behind dash)Walls and ceilingsGardensSheds and outbuildings

Behaviour

Flat, fast-moving hunter; no typical prey-capture web as an adult. Can bite if trapped; painful local symptoms are reported in some sources, but southern African medical literature prioritises other groups (e.g. button and violin spiders) ahead of huntsman risk. Common in South African homes; often found behind picture frames or in vehicles. They eat insects; gentle relocation is usually enough if they are indoors.

Why you may be seeing them

They wander indoors through gaps or open doors; favour tight spaces (behind frames, in cars). Often seen when moving pictures or getting into a car.

Often confused with

Rain spider (rain spider also large and brown; huntsman flatter, legs more spread) · Baboon spider (baboon more hairy, ground-dwelling)

When to get help

Not usually the top medically urgent spider class in southern African bite literature, but bites can be painful—do not corner or grab. Relocate gently or seek professional help for repeated indoor pressure; seal gaps to reduce entries.

Huntsman spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Cellar Spider (Daddy Long-Legs)

Pholcidae

Appearance

Pale grey or brown; very small body
Extremely long, thin, wispy legs
Body about 5–8 mm; legs can span 5–7 cm
Messy, tangled web in corners

Commonly found

Ceiling cornersBasementsBehind furnitureGaragesQuiet indoor corners

Behaviour

Builds loose, tangled corner webs; often called daddy long-legs in South Africa (same name is used for harvestmen and crane flies). Very common indoors; feeds on small insects and other spiders, sometimes including species that look more medically intimidating—through silk wrapping and reach, not extreme human-directed venom. Not medically significant to humans in normal circumstances; can be left in place or webs removed if desired.

Why you may be seeing them

Quiet corners with minimal disturbance; they prefer dim or undisturbed areas. Often accumulate in corners over time.

Often confused with

Harvestmen (Opiliones — not spiders; single body segment) · Crane flies (insects — one pair of wings) · Other long-legged spiders (cellar spider has tiny body, very long legs)

When to get help

Not needed for medical urgency on common guidance. Remove webs if desired; reduce flying prey and dust high corners; seek identification-led help if you are unsure cellar spider vs problem species.

Cellar spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Golden Orb Weaver

Trichonephila (e.g. T. senegalensis, T. fenestrata); older sources may use Nephila

Appearance

Yellow, gold, or orange body and legs; often with stripes (species-dependent)
Large: body ~15–25 mm in females; distinctive very large orb web
Silk golden or yellow in sunlight; web often ~1–1.5 m across for T. senegalensis in SA references
Female much larger than male; web may hold multiple small males

Commonly found

GardensBushes and treesFences and gatewaysRarely indoors

Behaviour

Generally regarded as harmless to people and pets in South African references. Builds among the largest and strongest local orb webs; often sits in the web by day. Not medically prioritised like button or violin spiders. Clear paths if the web is a nuisance.

Why you may be seeing them

Warm vegetated places with space to span webs between shrubs or trees; sun highlights golden silk. Recorded across provinces for T. senegalensis except the harshest arid biomes in common summaries.

Often confused with

Other orb weavers (golden orb: very large web, golden silk sheen, long legs) · Garden spider (generic term; golden orb is a specific large-web group)

When to get help

Not for bite medical urgency on common guidance. Practical help if webs block access or you need identification-led garden management on a quoted scope.

Golden orb weaver pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Wolf Spider

Lycosidae

Appearance

Brown, grey, or tan; hairy; robust; low sturdy build
Medium to large: body 10–35 mm depending on species
Eight eyes in three rows (four small below, two large central, two smaller above) — key ID clue
No large prey-capture orb web; runs on ground; eyes often reflective at night (torchlight)

Commonly found

Ground levelGardensUnder debrisSometimes indoors (garages, basements)

Behaviour

Ground-dwelling active hunter (Lycosidae); does not rely on a large suspended capture web. Sources such as Britannica highlight excellent eyesight and the distinctive three-row eye pattern. Fast runners; females may carry an egg sac on spinnerets and spiderlings on the back. Not among the major medically important South African spider groups in common summaries; may bite if mishandled but not framed like button or violin risk. Common in gardens; occasionally indoors—relocate if needed.

Why you may be seeing them

Gardening, moving pots, or walking in the garden. Indoors they may have entered through gaps or on plants.

Often confused with

Rain spider (often larger on walls; different build and context) · Huntsman (flatter, laterigrade on walls/ceilings) · Baboon spider (mygalomorph burrow spider; different eyes and posture)

When to get help

Not for medically prioritised bite risk on common guidance vs button/violin spiders. Relocate indoors; seal gaps; seek identification-led help if you cannot confirm eye pattern vs problem species.

Wolf spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Jumping Spider

Salticidae

Appearance

Variable colour; often compact, fuzzy appearance
Large front eyes; good eyesight
Small: body typically 5–15 mm
Moves in short jumps; curious, may turn to look

Commonly found

Windows and sillsWalls indoors and outGardensFences and vegetation

Behaviour

Harmless in South African references (e.g. African Snakebite Institute framing). Curious daytime hunters (Salticidae); large principal eyes for detail and secondary eyes for wide-field movement; stalk-and-pounce with dragline silk—not large prey-catching orb webs. Very common on walls, windows, and gardens; beneficial insect predators. No control needed for typical sightings.

Why you may be seeing them

They are active during the day and often seen on windows or walls. Many species are colourful or patterned.

Often confused with

Other small spiders (jumping spiders have distinctive large front eyes and jump) · Sac spider (sac spider paler, no jump)

When to get help

Not needed on common harmless framing—enjoy or relocate. If you cannot separate from medically significant species, use identification-led help on a quoted scope.

One of the most common spider groups; harmless and beneficial.

Jumping spider pest guide Need help with this spider? See Spider Control Cape Town

Common signs by location

Where you see spiders — or find webs and retreats — often points to which species are most likely. Use this to narrow down identification.

Spiders in the house
Sac and cellar spiders are very common indoors; rain and huntsman enter from outside; button spiders prefer quiet corners.
Sac spiderRain spiderHuntsman spiderCellar spiderBrown button spiderWolf spider
Spiders in the garden
Button spiders in debris and vegetation; orb weavers in webs; wolf and baboon on ground; jumping on plants and fences.
Black button spiderBrown button spiderRain spiderBaboon spiderGolden orb weaverWolf spiderJumping spider
Spiders in bedding or curtains
Sac spiders often hide in bedding and can bite at night. Violin spiders prefer dark, quiet spots; check for violin marking if bite suspected.
Sac spiderViolin spider (rare)
Large spider on wall or ceiling
Rain spider and huntsman are the usual large spiders indoors. Both harmless.
Rain spiderHuntsman spiderBaboon spider (rare indoors)
Spider behind picture or in car
Huntsman spiders favour tight spaces. Flat, fast; harmless.
Huntsman spider
Tangled web in corner
Long thin legs, small body. Harmless.
Cellar spider (daddy long-legs)
Large golden orb web in garden
Yellow/gold spider in a big, strong web. Harmless.
Golden orb weaver
Spider in messy web with retreat
Button spiders have irregular webs and round abdomen (check for red marking); sac spiders build a small sac.
Black button spiderBrown button spiderSac spider (retreat)
Small spider on window or wall
Jumping spiders have large front eyes and jump; sac spiders are paler and build retreats.
Jumping spiderSac spider

Why spiders keep coming back

Entry points still open — gaps, windows, and doors let spiders and prey in.
Prey available — flies, ants, and other insects attract spiders.
Shelter and humidity — quiet corners, gardens, and vegetation provide habitat.
Seasonal peaks — rain and temperature changes can increase movement indoors.
Outdoor pressure — gardens and natural areas continually produce spiders.
Treatment did not target harbourages — residual or barrier treatment may need to be repeated or extended.

Common spider behaviour patterns

These patterns help when you cannot identify by name alone.

Small pale spider indoors
Often sac spider. Wandering hunter; sac retreat in corners or bedding. Can bite; reduce clutter and seal gaps.
Large brown spider indoors
Usually rain spider or huntsman. Both harmless; rain spider after rain, huntsman often behind pictures. Relocate if needed.
Black or brown spider with red/orange marking
Button spider. Medically significant; do not handle. Seek ID or safe removal if in living areas.
Brown spider with violin on head
Violin spider (recluse). Medically significant; seek medical advice if bitten. Do not handle.
Long-legged spider in corner web
Cellar spider (daddy long-legs). Harmless; messy web, tiny body.
Large flat spider behind picture or in car
Huntsman spider. Harmless; fast; relocate if desired.
Large yellow spider in big orb web
Golden orb weaver. Harmless; garden only. Remove web if in the way.
Large hairy spider in garden or burrow
Often baboon spider. Ground-dwelling; mostly harmless. Avoid provoking; relocate if necessary.
Spider running on ground
Could be wolf spider or rain spider. Both harmless. Wolf spider is ground hunter; rain spider also runs but often on walls.
Small jumping spider on window
Jumping spider. Harmless; curious; large front eyes. No action needed.
Spider in messy web with retreat
Could be button spider. Check for round abdomen and red marking. Do not disturb.

When to get professional help

Suspected bite from button spider or violin spider, or severe reaction to any bite
Recurring sac spiders or bites in bedding
Button spiders or violin spiders in living areas or children’s spaces
You want safe identification or removal of medically significant spiders
Commercial or guest premises where spiders are a concern
Large numbers of spiders indoors and you want barrier or ongoing control

Call Call for spider control

Ready to tackle your spider problem?

Call or see our Spider Control Cape Town service for targeted treatment.

Call Spider Control Cape Town

Spider Identification Guide

Compare spiders found in South African homes, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Button, violin, sac, rain, huntsman, cellar, orb weaver, wolf, baboon and jumping spiders.

How to use this guide

Compare size — small, medium, or large (leg span and body)

Compare colour — black, brown, grey, or patterned

Compare where you see them — web, ground, ceiling, garden, bathroom

Compare web type — orb, tangle, funnel, or no web (hunter)

Compare behaviour — in web, running, or in retreat/burrow

Then match to the most likely species card using the quick comparison table

Quick comparison

Spider	Colour	Size	Commonly found	Key clue
Black button spider	Black or dark brown; red or orange marking	Body ~10–15 mm; leg span larger	Outdoors: under logs, vegetation; rarely indoors	Medically significant; shiny round abdomen; red hourglass or spots
Brown button spider	Brown with variable markings	Body ~10–15 mm	Gardens, sheds, quiet corners; sometimes indoors	Medically significant; similar to black button; brown colouration
Violin spider	Tan to brown; dark violin on head	Body ~7–12 mm	Quiet dark spots; behind furniture; sheds; rarely seen	Medically significant; violin marking on cephalothorax; reclusive
Sac spider	Pale yellow to light brown	Body ~5–10 mm	Indoors: corners, curtains, bedding; gardens	Wandering hunter; sac retreat; often implicated in bites
Rain spider	Brown, banded legs; hairy	Large: leg span up to ~10 cm	Gardens, homes (after rain); walls, ceilings	Large and fast; harmless; enters in wet weather
Huntsman spider	Brown, grey; flat; banded legs	Large: leg span up to ~12 cm	Indoors: behind pictures, in cars; walls; gardens	Flat, fast; harmless; often behind picture frames
Cellar spider (daddy long-legs)	Pale grey or brown; very long thin legs	Small body ~5–8 mm; legs long	Indoors: corners, ceilings; messy webs	Long wispy legs; tangled web; harmless
Golden orb weaver	Yellow, gold, or orange; striped legs (species-dependent)	Large female; orb web often ~1–1.5 m across (T. senegalensis in SA refs)	Gardens; bushes; distinctive golden silk in sun	Huge orb web; golden silk; generally harmless in SA refs
Wolf spider	Brown, grey; hairy; robust	Medium to large: 10–35 mm	Ground; gardens; sometimes indoors	Ground hunter; no web; fast; harmless
Baboon spider	Brown to dark; very hairy	Large: body 2–4 cm; leg span ~15 cm	Ground burrows; gardens; under rocks	Tarantula family; burrow; can be defensive; mostly harmless
Jumping spider	Variable; often compact; large front eyes	Small: 5–15 mm	Indoors and gardens; windows; walls	Jumps; curious; harmless; often colourful

Common signs by location

Where you see spiders — or find webs and retreats — often points to which species are most likely. Use this to narrow down identification.

Spiders in the house

Sac and cellar spiders are very common indoors; rain and huntsman enter from outside; button spiders prefer quiet corners.

Sac spiderRain spiderHuntsman spiderCellar spiderBrown button spiderWolf spider

Spiders in the garden

Button spiders in debris and vegetation; orb weavers in webs; wolf and baboon on ground; jumping on plants and fences.

Black button spiderBrown button spiderRain spiderBaboon spiderGolden orb weaverWolf spiderJumping spider

Spiders in bedding or curtains

Sac spiders often hide in bedding and can bite at night. Violin spiders prefer dark, quiet spots; check for violin marking if bite suspected.

Sac spiderViolin spider (rare)

Large spider on wall or ceiling

Rain spider and huntsman are the usual large spiders indoors. Both harmless.

Rain spiderHuntsman spiderBaboon spider (rare indoors)

Spider behind picture or in car

Huntsman spiders favour tight spaces. Flat, fast; harmless.

Huntsman spider

Tangled web in corner

Long thin legs, small body. Harmless.

Cellar spider (daddy long-legs)

Large golden orb web in garden

Yellow/gold spider in a big, strong web. Harmless.

Golden orb weaver

Spider in messy web with retreat

Button spiders have irregular webs and round abdomen (check for red marking); sac spiders build a small sac.

Black button spiderBrown button spiderSac spider (retreat)

Small spider on window or wall

Jumping spiders have large front eyes and jump; sac spiders are paler and build retreats.

Jumping spiderSac spider

Why spiders keep coming back

Entry points still open — gaps, windows, and doors let spiders and prey in.

Prey available — flies, ants, and other insects attract spiders.

Shelter and humidity — quiet corners, gardens, and vegetation provide habitat.

Seasonal peaks — rain and temperature changes can increase movement indoors.

Outdoor pressure — gardens and natural areas continually produce spiders.

Treatment did not target harbourages — residual or barrier treatment may need to be repeated or extended.

Common spider behaviour patterns

These patterns help when you cannot identify by name alone.

Small pale spider indoors

Often sac spider. Wandering hunter; sac retreat in corners or bedding. Can bite; reduce clutter and seal gaps.

Large brown spider indoors

Usually rain spider or huntsman. Both harmless; rain spider after rain, huntsman often behind pictures. Relocate if needed.

Black or brown spider with red/orange marking

Button spider. Medically significant; do not handle. Seek ID or safe removal if in living areas.

Brown spider with violin on head

Violin spider (recluse). Medically significant; seek medical advice if bitten. Do not handle.

Long-legged spider in corner web

Cellar spider (daddy long-legs). Harmless; messy web, tiny body.

Large flat spider behind picture or in car

Huntsman spider. Harmless; fast; relocate if desired.

Large yellow spider in big orb web

Golden orb weaver. Harmless; garden only. Remove web if in the way.

Large hairy spider in garden or burrow

Often baboon spider. Ground-dwelling; mostly harmless. Avoid provoking; relocate if necessary.

Spider running on ground

Could be wolf spider or rain spider. Both harmless. Wolf spider is ground hunter; rain spider also runs but often on walls.

Small jumping spider on window

Jumping spider. Harmless; curious; large front eyes. No action needed.

Spider in messy web with retreat

Could be button spider. Check for round abdomen and red marking. Do not disturb.

When to get professional help

Suspected bite from button spider or violin spider, or severe reaction to any bite

Recurring sac spiders or bites in bedding

Button spiders or violin spiders in living areas or children’s spaces

You want safe identification or removal of medically significant spiders

Commercial or guest premises where spiders are a concern

Large numbers of spiders indoors and you want barrier or ongoing control