What does a redback spider look like?
TL;DR — Quick Answer
A redback spider is recognised by its glossy black body and distinctive red or orange marking on its abdomen. Female redbacks are larger and more dangerous than males. They usually build messy webs in sheltered, dry locations such as sheds, garages, outdoor furniture and garden areas around homes.
Redback Spiders vs Funnel Web Spiders: Identification, Bites & Safety for Sydney Homes
Australia is home to some of the world’s most recognisable spiders, and Sydney residents often encounter redback and funnel web species. Knowing the difference can keep you, your family and pets safe.
Redbacks have a red stripe on black bodies; only females are dangerous. Funnel webs have large downward fangs; males have stronger venom. Redback bites use ice packs; funnel web bites need pressure bandages. Call licensed Sydney pest controllers for safe removal.
For a full inspection, Contact Sydney’s Best Pest Control.
What is a Redback Spider and where are they found?
Native to Australia, redbacks (Latrodectus hasselti) are also called Australian black widows. They originated in inland South and Western Australia but now live across the country, Southeast Asia and New Zealand.
They thrive near human homes because built‑up areas attract plenty of insects for food. Warmer weather and sheltered spots make Sydney suburbs ideal habitats.
According to the Australian Museum, redbacks are responsible for over 2000 reported bites each year nationally – more than any other venomous spider (Source: Australian Museum, 2025).
What do Redback Spiders look like and how do they behave?
Appearance
- Females: Jet black body ~10mm long; distinct red/orange stripe on top and red hourglass mark underneath.
- Males: Only 3–4mm long, pale brown with fainter red markings; harmless to humans.
- Juveniles: Lighter brown with extra white markings that fade as females mature.
- All have thin, delicate legs and build messy, tangled webs.
Habits & Diet
Redbacks are nocturnal and hide in dark, dry places during the day. They eat insects trapped in webs, and occasionally small lizards or mice. Their venom contains alpha‑latrotoxin – the single dangerous component.
They only bite when crushed or disturbed, often giving a dry warning bite first.
What happens if you get bitten by a Redback Spider?
Common Symptoms
- Local swelling and spreading pain
- Nausea, vomiting and heavy sweating
- Headaches, muscle weakness and raised blood pressure
- Abdominal or chest pain
Correct First Aid
- Stay calm and have someone monitor you.
- Apply an ice pack – do NOT use pressure bandages.
- See a doctor immediately if you are pregnant, elderly, have heart issues or care for young children.
- Bring the dead spider in a sealed container if safe to do so.
Antivenom is available and very effective – no deaths have been recorded since its introduction in 1956 (Source: NSW Health).
Spider Bites: Treatment, Symptoms & First Aid Guide Sydney
If you suspect redbacks around your property, call us now on 1800 819 189 for a safe, thorough inspection.
What is a Funnel Web Spider and why is it dangerous?
Funnel webs (Atracidae family) are native Australian spiders. The Sydney Funnel Web is one of the most dangerous in the world. They build T‑ or Y‑shaped funnel webs in burrows under rocks, logs or garden soil.
Males roam widely in warm weather and often wander into pools or houses. Their large fangs point straight down and can pierce fingernails or soft boot leather.
Sydney Funnel-Web Spiders | Safety, Identification & Prevention
Studies show male Sydney funnel webs carry up to six times more potent venom than females – unlike most other spider species (Source: University of Sydney, 2024).
What happens if you get bitten by a Funnel Web Spider?
The venom contains atracotoxin, which attacks the nervous system and vital organs very quickly.
First Aid – Critical Steps
- Apply a firm pressure bandage over the bite and up the limb – same as for snake bites.
- Immobilise the limb and keep the person still.
- Go straight to hospital – antivenom works best when given early.
- Bring the spider if safe to catch without further risk.
There have been no fatalities since antivenom became available in 1981 (Source: Australian Venom Research Unit).
Redback vs Funnel Web Spider: Key Differences
| Feature | 
Redback Spider |
Sydney Funnel Web Spider |
|---|---|---|
| Main dangerous gender | Female only | Male (6x stronger venom) |
| Key markings | Red stripe/hourglass on black body | Dark brown/black; no bright markings |
| Web type | Tangled messy webs | Funnel‑shaped burrow entrance |
| Fang direction | Side‑to‑side pinch | Straight down stab |
| First aid | Ice pack only | Pressure bandage + immobilise |
| Habitat | Dry sheltered spots | Moist soil/under rocks/logs |
How do I stay safe and manage spiders around my Sydney home?
Redbacks favour mailboxes, outdoor furniture, woodpiles, sheds and under floorboards – especially in summer. Funnel webs like damp garden areas and under rocks.
- Wear gloves and closed shoes when gardening or moving stored items.
- Shake out shoes, towels and camping gear before use.
- Clear debris and seal gaps around the home.
- Never handle spiders directly – even dead ones can still bite.
We recommend professional inspections and treatments rather than DIY removal – especially for high‑risk species. Correct methods follow NSW Work Health & Safety regulations and Australian Standard AS 3660 for pest management.
Should I kill spiders myself?
No – squashing or disturbing them makes bites more likely. Spiders also control flies, mosquitoes and cockroaches, supporting a balanced ecosystem.
Every species needs different control methods. We identify the type, apply targeted treatments and proof your home against future entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are male redback spiders dangerous?
A: No – their fangs are too small to pierce human skin and venom is not medically significant.
Q: Where do funnel webs go in winter?
A: They stay in their burrows; males mostly wander during warm months from November to April.
Q: Can I keep spiders out permanently?
A: You can greatly reduce numbers with proofing, removal of webs and annual professional treatments.
Q: How quickly do I need antivenom?
A: Redback antivenom is given only if symptoms are severe; funnel web antivenom is given as soon as possible after bite.
Q: Is there a season for redbacks?
A: They breed year‑round but are most active in Sydney’s warmer months from October to March.
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Need Expert Help with Spiders in Sydney?
Redback spiders are found throughout Sydney and can appear in residential gardens, sheds, garages and outdoor storage areas. Sydney homes with gardens, outdoor furniture and sheltered spaces may provide ideal conditions for redback spiders to establish webs. Regular property maintenance and professional spider prevention treatments can help reduce risks.
We identify, treat and prevent dangerous spiders safely and legally across Greater Sydney.