Sudden Explosion of Huntsman Spiders in Sydney: Why You’re Seeing So Many

Why Are There So Many Baby Huntsman Spiders In Sydney Homes Right Now?

Over the last 3 weeks, our team has received a sharp rise in calls from Sydney residents reporting sudden swarms of tiny spiders on bathroom and lounge room ceilings.

Huntsman spiders become more noticeable during warm, humid weather and after rainfall. Rain can drive insects and spiders from their usual hiding places, while increased humidity and seasonal breeding activity also lead to more sightings around homes

For a full inspection and barrier treatment, Contact Sydney’s Best Pest Control.

How Do I Tell If They Are Huntsman Spiders?

Look for long brown legs and a hairy, flattened body. Even the tiny babies share this shape, just on a much smaller scale. They move very fast and like flat surfaces like ceilings and walls.

They look intimidating — but they are not dangerous to humans. According to the NSW Health, huntsman spider venom is not medically significant and bites are extremely rare.

Why Are They Suddenly Coming Inside My Sydney Home?

As outdoor temperatures drop across Greater Sydney, huntsman spiders seek shelter and warmth inside houses, units, and even cars.

They naturally live under bark, rocks, and leaf litter — so dark, tight spots in your home feel like a perfect match. They often hide behind car sun visors, skirting boards, curtains, and roof voids.

NSW Department of Primary Industries notes that seasonal movement of huntsman spiders increases by roughly 60% when overnight temperatures fall below 15°C — exactly what we have seen across Sydney lately.

Heavy rain can flood outdoor hiding places beneath bark, rocks and leaf litter. Huntsman spiders may then move onto walls, patios, garages and inside homes where conditions are drier and insects are also more active.

Are Huntsman Spiders Good To Have Around?

Absolutely — they are excellent natural pest controllers. They actively hunt and eat large Australian cockroaches, American cockroaches, moths, and flies.

Having them around can actually lower the number of unwanted insects in your home without using chemicals.

What Should I Do If I Find Them Inside?

If you wake up to spiders on your ceiling or see one suddenly drop nearby — stay calm. They are not aggressive.

For quick removal indoors: use a light spray of standard supermarket fly spray — do not drench them. One light burst is enough.

Once they drop and run under furniture, they will still be affected and will die shortly. You do not need to chase them.

If you are seeing repeated or large numbers, call us on 1800 819 189 for a professional barrier treatment.

How Do Professionals Treat Huntsman Spiders?

Our treatment is safe and targeted. We apply fine dust into all entry points and hiding spots:

• Cracks and crevices around walls and frames
• Air vents and window perimeters
• Gaps along skirting boards
• Roof voids and sub‑floor areas

This creates an invisible barrier that stops them settling indoors without affecting your daily life.

DIY vs Professional Huntsman Control

How Can I Stop Huntsman Spiders Coming Back?

Follow these simple steps to make your home far less inviting:

1. Clean out gutters and remove leaf litter
2. Trim back overhanging branches touching the roof or walls
3. Seal gaps around windows, doors, pipes and skirting boards
4. Clear piles of wood, leaves or garden waste near walls
5. Park cars away from large trees or dense shrubs

These changes cut off their easy access routes and remove their preferred hiding spots right next to your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do huntsman spiders jump at you?

No — they move fast but do not jump or attack people. Sudden movement is usually them trying to escape, not approach you.

Can huntsman spiders hurt my pets?

Very unlikely. They are not aggressive and venom does not affect dogs or cats in most cases. If bitten, watch for mild swelling — see a vet only if symptoms persist.

How long will this spider explosion last in Sydney?

Most activity lasts 2–4 weeks as temperatures settle. Once cooler weather stabilises, numbers naturally drop — but sealing entry points speeds this up.

Should I kill them or move them outside?

You can safely catch and release them if you prefer — they will happily go back to eating cockroaches in your garden.

When is huntsman spider season in Sydney?

Huntsman spiders are generally most active during the warmer months, particularly from spring through autumn. Warm temperatures, humidity and seasonal breeding behaviour make them more visible during this period.