Funnel-web spiders are one of Australia’s most notorious arachnids, known for their potent venom and defensive nature. If you encounter one in your yard, it’s essential to handle the situation safely and responsibly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to remove a funnel-web spider without putting yourself at risk.
Spotting a Funnel-Web Spider - What to look for
Before you take action, it’s important to make sure you’re dealing with a funnel-web spider. These notorious Aussie arachnids are typically black or dark brown, with a glossy body and prominent fangs. Their body size varies with body lengths ranging from 1-5 cms. Unlike web-building spiders, they prefer to stay hidden in burrows, which can be found in moist, shaded soil—think gardens, forest floors, near tree roots, or creek banks.
A telltale sign? Their burrows are lined with thick silk, forming a distinctive funnel-shaped entrance. While they mostly stay put, heavy rain can bring them out and about. If you spot silky trip lines around a burrow entrance, you’re likely looking at a funnel-web's hunting ground—those lines detect movement, alerting the spider to potential prey (or an unwanted visitor!).
People often deliver funnel-web spiders to designated collection points, because their venom is necessary for producing lifesaving antivenom. The venom is extracted from live spiders and used to develop treatments for funnel-web spider bites. While anyone can donate a spider, only those who are confident and cautious should attempt to capture one, and extreme care should be taken to avoid bites.
Keep Your Distance
Thanks to modern antivenom, no fatalities have been recorded since 1981. However, caution is still advised when dealing with a funnel-web spider due to their painful bites and aggressive nature. Funnel-web spiders are feared in Australia due to:
Highly potent venom – a powerful neurotoxin that affects the nervous system. Particularly harmful to humans and primates, but not as harmful to other mammals like dogs and cats.
Aggressive Defence behaviour – when threatened, they rear up, display their fangs and lunge forward. Unlike many other spiders that flea, they stand their ground and bite multiple times if provoked.
History of fatalities (before antivenom) – Before the development of an effective antivenom in 1981, funnel webs bits caused multiple human deaths. Their bites can lead to severe pain, difficulty breathing, convulsions and even death within hours if untreated.
Unpredictable encounters – They sometimes wonder into homes, shoes, or even swimming pools where they can survive under water by trapping air in their hairs. Unlike more reclusive spiders, they are active hunters, increasing the chances of human contact.
If Bitten by an Australian Funnel-web spider (medical emergency)
1. Stay calm and immobilise the affected limb.
2. Apply a pressure immobilisation bandage (similar to snake bite first aide)
3. Call 000 immediately for medical assistance
4. Do not attempt to suck out venom or use a tourniquet.
Wear Protective Gear
Funnel-web spiders are amount the most venomous spiders in Australia, and their bite can be dangerous, requiring immediate medical attention. They may look slow in their burrows, but once disturbed, they can dart quickly and unpredictably. If you need to safely capture a funnel-web spider for relocation or to send it to an antivenom program, safe handling is key to prevent accidental escapes inside your home, and to ensure no unwanted surprises.
The best protective gear for capturing a funnel-web spider:
Thick, elbow-length gloves (e.g., leather or heavy-duty gardening gloves)
Long-sleeved clothing (to cover exposed skin)
Enclosed shoes (avoid sandals or open footwear)
Safety glasses (optional, but useful if working in close quarters)
A sturdy jar or container with a secure lid
How to safely capture the funnel-web spider
One of the safest methods to contain the spider is by using a clear and sturdy glass jar (10-15 cm deep) and a piece of stiff cardboard (or thick paper, like a postcard). The following step-by-step instructions can be followed:
1. Prepare Your Gear & Assess the Situation
Wear your protective gear as described earlier and ensure you have a clear path to safely approach the spider.
Make sure the jar and cardboard are within easy reach.
If the spider is in a confined space, clear away obstacles first.
2. Gently Place the Glass Jar Over the Spider
Hold the jar at a slight angle and carefully lower it over the spider, ensuring it is completely enclosed.
Be slow and steady—funnel-webs can move fast when provoked.
3. Slide the Stiff Cardboard Underneath
Once the spider is fully inside the jar, take your stiff cardboard and gently slide it under the jar’s opening.
If the surface is uneven (e.g., grass or dirt), use a thin, rigid object like a spatula or ruler to help lift the spider onto the cardboard.
4. Secure the Jar
Carefully tilt the jar so the spider is fully inside with the cardboard acting as a lid.
Quickly but gently flip the jar upright while keeping the cardboard over the opening.
5. Seal the Jar with a Lid
Once the spider is contained, slowly remove the cardboard and secure the jar’s lid tightly.
Make sure the spider cannot escape before handling the jar further.
Remember these safety tips:
DO NOT use your bare hands - always wear gloves and long sleeves.
Keep the jar upright - funnel-webs can climb smooth surfaces.
Stay calm and move slowly - sudden movements may startle the spider.
Keep it out of reach of children and pets - until it can be safely relocated or delivered to an antivenom collection centre.
What to do after Capturing a Funnel-Web spider
If you captured it inside your home, relocate it outside in a safe area away from human activity.
f you live in a high-risk funnel-web region, check if your local antivenom program accepts live spiders (such as the Australian Reptile Park, zoos, hospitals and research facilities).
If you feel unsafe handling the spider at any point, rather call a professional pest control service or trained individuals to capture these arachnids.
Pest control approach for funnel-web spiders
Alternatively, a pest control specialist will typically follow these steps to deal with funnel-web spiders:
Inspection: The specialist will inspect the property, focusing on areas where funnel-web spiders are likely to be found, such as dark, damp, and secluded spaces like basements, sheds, or under rocks and logs in the garden.
Identification: Identifying the type of spider is important to confirm it’s a funnel-web spider, as some other species may look similar but require different treatment.
Treatment:
Insecticides: The specialist might apply a targeted insecticide specifically designed to control spiders in areas where they’ve been spotted. These treatments are often sprayed in cracks, crevices, and around entry points.
Dusting: For hard-to-reach areas, pest control might use dust formulations that can settle in hidden spaces and continue to be effective for longer periods.
Baiting: In some cases, spider bait traps can be placed around the property to lure and trap funnel-web spiders.
Prevention: After removing the spiders, the specialist will recommend steps to prevent future infestations, such as sealing cracks, reducing moisture around the home, and removing spider webs regularly. They may also advise keeping the yard clean and trimming back vegetation where spiders might live.
Follow-up: Depending on the severity of the infestation, follow-up visits might be necessary to ensure the problem has been fully dealt with.
Funnel-web spiders are venomous, so a specialist will take extra care in their handling and approach to ensure both safety and effective treatment
Conclusion
While funnel-web spiders can be dangerous, they play an essential role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. Safe removal and proper precautions will help you manage encounters without unnecessary harm to yourself or the spider.
To discourage spider infestations, it’s recommended to tidy up the garden by regularly clearing away leaf litter, rocks, and logs where they could be hiding. Make sure to seal any gaps around doors and windows to stop them from sneaking inside. Before you use your shoes or outdoor gear, give them a quick check, as spiders love to hide in those too. Be sure to wear gloves while gardening and try not to reach into dark spots where spiders like to hide.
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