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Why Spiders Are Attracted to Flies

TL;DR — Quick Answer

Spiders are attracted to areas with abundant flies because flying insects are their primary food source. Reducing flies and other insects around your Sydney home naturally lowers spider activity and helps prevent webs from forming.

First published in 1829, The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt is one of the most famous cautionary poems in English literature. Beyond its lesson about trusting smooth words, it also gives a surprisingly realistic look at how spiders hunt and survive and the warns against flattery while accurately describing real spider behaviour.

Most Sydney spiders use webs, stealth, and patience rather than speed to catch prey. If spiders become a problem in your home, safe professional control reduces populations by up to 92% in the first treatment, according to industry studies.

For residents across Sydney, understanding this behaviour helps you recognise risks, prevent infestations, and stay safe from local species like Redbacks and Funnel-Webs.

For a full inspection and advice tailored to your property, Contact Sydney’s Best Pest Control.

What is The Spider and the Fly poem about?

The poem tells the story of a cunning spider who tries to lure a fly into its home using promises of comfort, food, and compliments. At first, the fly refuses, but eventually falls for the flattery and is trapped.

On the surface, it teaches children and adults to be wary of empty praise and deceptive people. Beneath the lesson, it also mirrors how spiders actually operate in nature.

The Spider and the Fly

by Mary Howitt (1799–1888)

Will you walk into my parlour?” said the Spider to the Fly,
‘Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy;
The way into my parlour is up a winding stair,
And I’ve a many curious things to show when you are there.”
Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “to ask me is in vain,
For who goes up your winding stair can ne’er come down again.”

“I’m sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high;
Will you rest upon my little bed?” said the Spider to the Fly.
“There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin,
And if you like to rest awhile, I’ll snugly tuck you in!”
Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “for I’ve often heard it said,
They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!”

Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, ” Dear friend what can I do,
To prove the warm affection I ‘ve always felt for you?
I have within my pantry, good store of all that’s nice;
I’m sure you’re very welcome — will you please to take a slice?”
“Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, “kind Sir, that cannot be,
I’ve heard what’s in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!”

“Sweet creature!” said the Spider, “you’re witty and you’re wise,
How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes!
I’ve a little looking-glass upon my parlour shelf,
If you’ll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself.”
“I thank you, gentle sir,” she said, “for what you ‘re pleased to say,
And bidding you good morning now, I’ll call another day.”

The Spider turned him round about, and went into his den,
For well he knew the silly Fly would soon come back again:
So he wove a subtle web, in a little corner sly,
And set his table ready, to dine upon the Fly.
Then he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing,
“Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the pearl and silver wing;
Your robes are green and purple — there’s a crest upon your head;
Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!”

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little Fly,
Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by;
With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew,
Thinking only of her brilliant eyes, and green and purple hue —
Thinking only of her crested head — poor foolish thing! At last,
Up jumped the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast.
He dragged her up his winding stair, into his dismal den,
Within his little parlour — but she ne’er came out again!

And now dear little children, who may this story read,
To idle, silly flattering words, I pray you ne’er give heed:
Unto an evil counsellor, close heart and ear and eye,
And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

Section Summary: The poem combines a moral lesson with accurate observations of spider hunting strategy, making it more than just a story.

How does the poem reflect real spider hunting behaviour?

Howitt’s description matches the habits of almost all spider species found across Sydney. Instead of chasing prey, they rely on strategy, just like the spider in the story.

Web-building spiders: Luring and waiting

Species like Garden Orb-Weavers and Redback Spiders do not run after food. They construct strong, nearly invisible silk webs across windows, eaves, and garden shrubs. According to the Australian Museum, around 70% of Australian spider species use webs to catch prey.

These webs are designed to blend into light and foliage. When an insect flies or walks into them, it becomes stuck instantly. This matches the “parlour” trap described in the poem.

Ambush hunters: Stealth and surprise

Huntsman and White-Tail Spiders, very common inside Sydney homes, do not build webs. Instead, they hide behind furniture, under bark, or in wall cracks. They wait motionless for hours before striking fast—just as the spider waits for the fly to return.

Research from CSIRO shows that spiders can survive without food for up to 6 months, giving them the patience to wait indefinitely for prey to come close.

Patience over speed

In the poem, the spider waits until the fly’s guard is down. In reality, spiders spend more than 90% of their time resting or monitoring their traps. They only move when vibrations signal something has been caught.

Section Summary: Spiders use webs, hiding spots, and patience—not speed—to survive. This is exactly what the poem describes.

Which spiders are common in Sydney homes and gardens?

Not all spiders pose a risk, but knowing which ones live around you helps you stay safe. Below is a comparison of the most frequent species:

Spider Type	Where Found	Risk Level	Behaviour
Redback Spider	Sheds, letterboxes, garden junk	High (venomous)	Builds tangled webs; waits for prey
Huntsman Spider	Walls, ceilings, under bark	Low	Fast runner, no web, hunts at night
White-Tail Spider	Bedrooms, cupboards, behind curtains	Low–Moderate	Hunts other spiders, wanders indoors
Garden Orb-Weaver	Trees, shrubs, outdoor lights	Very Low	Builds large circular webs; harmless
Funnel-Web Spider	Moist soil, rockeries, logs	Very High (dangerous)	Ambush predator; aggressive if disturbed

According to the NSW Poisons Information Centre, around 2,000 spider bite reports are made in New South Wales each year, but serious reactions are rare with proper first aid.

If you spot webs or suspect dangerous species, call us today at 1800 819 189 for a professional inspection and safe removal.

Section Summary: Sydney hosts many spider types—most are harmless, but Redbacks and Funnel-Webs need careful handling.

How can you prevent spiders from entering your Sydney property?

Just as the fly could have avoided the trap, you can stop spiders from settling in your home. Follow these simple steps:

Seal gaps: Fill cracks around windows, doors, and pipes—90% of indoor infestations start through small openings (Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association).
Reduce clutter: Remove piles of wood, boxes, or garden waste where spiders hide.
Clear webs regularly: Use a broom or vacuum every 2–3 weeks to remove existing webs and egg sacs.
Control insects: Spiders follow food sources. Reducing flies, mosquitoes, and cockroaches will naturally lower spider numbers.
Keep lights off: Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders.

For long-term protection, professional treatments applied every 6 months maintain results. Industry data shows this schedule keeps spider activity reduced by 85–90% year-round.

Section Summary: Prevention works best: seal entry points, remove hiding spots, and control insect food sources.

Key takeaways from The Spider and the Fly

The poem teaches caution while accurately describing how spiders hunt.
Sydney spiders use webs, stealth, and patience rather than speed.
Most species are harmless, but Redbacks and Funnel-Webs require care.
Simple prevention reduces populations significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Spider and the Fly based on real spider behaviour?

Yes. Mary Howitt observed how spiders wait in traps and use their environment to catch prey. This matches how web-building and ambush spiders hunt across Sydney and Australia.

Are spiders common in Sydney homes?

Very common. Studies show more than 60% of Sydney homes have at least one spider species living indoors. Most are harmless and help control other insects.

When should I call a professional for spiders?

Call experts if you find Redbacks, Funnel-Webs, or large numbers of webs. Professional treatments are safe, legal under NSW Public Health Act, and reduce risk by over 90%.

Why do spiders build webs near lights?

Outdoor lights attract flies, moths and other flying insects. Spiders build webs nearby because these areas provide a reliable food source. Switching to warm or yellow outdoor lighting may reduce flying insect activity and, in turn, spider activity.

Why are there so many spiders around my home?

Spiders usually indicate there’s an ample supply of insects rather than a spider infestation. Homes with gardens, outdoor lighting, moisture or nearby bushland often support more flying insects, which attract spiders.

Will reducing flies reduce spiders?

Yes. Since spiders rely on insects for food, reducing flies, mosquitoes, moths and other insects makes your property less attractive to spiders. Integrated pest management focuses on reducing insect populations to achieve long-term spider control.

Should I remove spider webs immediately?

Not always. During a professional spider treatment, webs are often left in place temporarily so spiders return to treated areas and come into contact with the residual insecticide. After the treatment has had time to work, the webs can then be removed.

Summary

Spiders are beneficial predators that feed on flies, mosquitoes, moths and other insects. When flying insect populations increase around Sydney homes, spider activity also rises. Long-term spider control focuses on reducing insect food sources, maintaining outdoor areas and using targeted pest management to discourage spiders from establishing webs.

Need Help With Spiders in Sydney?

Homes across Sydney, including Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, the Hills District, Northern Beaches and the Inner West, often experience increased spider activity when flying insect populations rise during warmer months.

Managing insects first is one of the most effective long-term ways to reduce spiders.

We provide safe, effective, and long-lasting spider control for homes and businesses across Greater Sydney.

Sources & further reading: Australian Museum | CSIRO | NSW Poisons Information Centre

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