S05 · Spider
Red House Spider
Nesticodes rufipes
A small reddish-brown cobweb spider often found indoors in Queensland. Builds messy webs but bites are usually mild.
- Size
- 5–8 mm
- Habitat
- Indoors — corners, under furniture, sheds, garages
- Activity
- Year-round
Safety Warning
Bites can cause localised pain, redness and swelling. Apply an ice pack and seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or if the person is a child, elderly, or has allergies.
Overview
The Red House Spider is a common indoor cobweb spider in Queensland and northern Australia. It is related to the Redback but is far less dangerous. Bites can cause local pain and swelling, similar to a bee sting, but serious reactions are rare. They build messy, tangled webs in dark corners, under outdoor furniture, in sheds and garages.
How to identify
- Small body, 5–8 mm, reddish-brown to orange-brown
- Dark markings on the abdomen — often a faint pattern or spot
- Builds messy, irregular cobwebs with sticky threads
- Often found in corners, under shelves, eaves and outdoor furniture
General guidance only. Information on Home Pest Defence is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional advice. For termites, venomous spider bites, wasp nests in walls, or protected wildlife, contact a licensed pest controller, your GP, or the relevant state wildlife authority. In emergencies call 000; for poisoning call 13 11 26.