Funnel-Web vs Redback Spiders: What South Coast Homeowners Need to Know

Two spider species cause more alarm among South Coast homeowners than any other: the Sydney Funnel-web and the Redback. Both are medically significant, both are genuinely common across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven, and both are frequently misidentified. Knowing which is which — and what to do if you encounter either — is important information for anyone living on the South Coast.

The Sydney Funnel-Web Spider

Appearance: Large, glossy black or dark brown, 2–5cm body length. The abdomen has a velvety appearance. Males have a characteristic spur on the second leg. Fangs are large and fang forward (chelicerae point down), which allows them to bite with considerable force.

Where they live: Funnel-webs prefer cool, moist, sheltered habitats — garden rockeries, under logs and dense mulch, in ground cover, and sometimes in outdoor shoes or clothing left on the ground. They build silk-lined burrows with distinctive tripwire threads radiating from the entrance. Despite the name "Sydney" Funnel-web, they are widely distributed throughout the Illawarra escarpment, including suburban Wollongong, Kiama, and surrounding ranges.

Behaviour: Males are the more dangerous sex. During summer and autumn mating season (November–April), males leave their burrows in search of females and are more likely to be encountered wandering into homes. When threatened, Funnel-webs rear up on their hind legs and display their fangs aggressively — this is a warning, not an attack posture.

Venom: Funnel-web venom is fast-acting and potentially lethal, particularly in children. However, no deaths have occurred in Australia since the introduction of antivenom in 1981. If bitten, apply a firm pressure immobilisation bandage (the same technique as for snake bite) and call 000 immediately.

The Redback Spider

Appearance: The female Redback is immediately recognisable — small, black, with a distinctive red or orange stripe on the upper abdomen. Body length is typically 10mm. Males are much smaller (3–4mm), brown, and not considered medically significant. It's the female you need to be aware of.

Where they live: Redbacks favour dry, sheltered environments close to human activity — under outdoor furniture, inside letterboxes, behind garden pots, in garden sheds, under eaves, and in dry subfloor spaces. They build messy, strong webs close to the ground. Redbacks are found throughout the entire South Coast and are extremely common in residential gardens from Wollongong to Batemans Bay.

Behaviour: Redbacks are not aggressive and will not bite unless pressed against the skin — most bites occur when a person accidentally puts their hand onto a spider resting in a hidden spot. Because of where they live, bites most often occur while gardening, handling outdoor items, or reaching into dark spaces.

Venom: Redback bites cause significant localised pain, sweating, and nausea. Antivenom is available and effective. Deaths are extremely rare. If bitten, do not apply a pressure bandage (this is incorrect first aid for Redback bites) — apply ice to the bite site and seek medical attention.

Key Differences at a Glance

• Size: Funnel-webs are much larger (2–5cm body) vs Redback females (1cm body)
• Colour: Funnel-web is glossy black overall; Redback is black with a distinctive red stripe on the abdomen
• Habitat: Funnel-web prefers cool, moist, dark ground-level areas; Redback prefers dry, sheltered spots near human activity
• Web: Funnel-web builds a silk tube/burrow with tripwire threads; Redback builds a messy, irregular web close to the ground
• First aid: Funnel-web — pressure immobilisation bandage, call 000; Redback — ice pack, seek medical attention (no pressure bandage)

What to Do If You Find Either Spider

Do not attempt to handle either species. For a Funnel-web found inside the home, place a glass jar over it and slide a piece of card underneath to trap it, then call 000 or contact the Australian Reptile Park (which collects Funnel-webs for antivenom production). For a Redback nest or multiple Redbacks in a garden or structure, contact a licensed pest controller to treat the area.

South Coast Pest Control treats both species across Wollongong, Kiama, and throughout the South Coast. Our spider treatments include residual spray to webs and harbourage areas, manual web and egg sac removal, and perimeter treatment to prevent re-entry. For a free quote, call us on 0425 232 461.