Spiders looking for water The story does not surprise spider expert Dr Robert Raven of Queensland Museum. "In the dry, huntsmen will go looking for a stable bit of water. And the best is usually underneath the bathtub, in the drain," he said. "Spiders lay eggs down in there, just above the water.
"Like all species, spiders need water to survive. That's why they are drawn to your bathroom, especially in these more arid times of year as a bathroom can be the only place to find some moisture," George adds.
Huntsman spiders may chase prey or mates through small openings inside your home, cars, or building. Their almond-like bodies allow them to squeeze around small spaces, and pantry moths buzzing around lights may attract them. Likewise, the warm summer months may make them want to avoid the summer heat.
Although they may be looking for potential prey, huntsman spiders will often find their way into your home during the warmer months to get away from the summer heat. Squeezing into gaps under doors and windows is natural behaviour and so makes them feel right at home.
There's not enough food inside a house for a huntsman spider, so they're best off outside." Dr Harvey said the safest method, for both people and spiders, was to use a container. He said while they can give a painful bite, they don't pose a risk to humans.
Huntsmen spiders do not – repeat NOT – have any inclination whatsoever to creep their spidery, eight-legged crawl across your face while you're sleeping.
Can huntsman spiders jump? Huntsman spiders have an unusual leg arrangement – they sit away from the body – which gives rise to their alternative name, giant crab spiders. Huntsman do sometimes 'jump', or more often 'fall' from a surface to escape, but it's their speed that is their real asset.
Do huntsman spiders intentionally chase you? No. If you try to catch a huntsman and it runs towards you, it isn't attacking. It is trying to get to a safe place, away from the giant human thing looming over it.
Huntsman spiders can live for up to two years. As they can move very quickly, instead of using a broom or an object they can run along to move them, try to slowly and gently place a container over them and push a piece of paper underneath. You can now carry them safely outside to release them.
These spiders are venomous but have very mild venom which is not considered dangerous to humans. Most are very reluctant to bite, and will attempt to run away from any threats they encounter. Contrary to popular belief, huntsman spiders do not chase people.
However, you don't actually need to kill them! Huntsmen are quite beneficial spiders in many ways. Apart from being mainly harmless to humans, they're very fond of eating other creepy crawlies that we don't like having around the house – such as cockroaches, mosquitoes and flies.
Despite their often large and hairy appearance, huntsman spiders are not considered to be dangerous spiders. As with most spiders, they do possess venom, and a bite may cause some ill effects. However, they are quite reluctant to bite, and will usually try to run away rather than be aggressive.
Why Do Huntsman Spiders Run At You? Hunstman spiders are not aggressive at all. They are often afraid and will flee if they feel threatened. Huntsman spiders are often afraid if they race towards you.
Because, unfortunately (or rather, NOT) the hairs on their legs that enable them to climb walls cannot grip the smooth enamel of a bath.
Wet towels are likely to attract spiders because of their moisture, as "moisture is essential for any spider and they cannot live without it," says Macy Ruiz, a board-certified entomologist working with Ehrlich Pest Control.
Spiders get inside your house looking to fulfill the same three basic needs; food, water, and shelter.
Huntsman spiders, like all spiders, moult in order to grow and often their old skin may be mistaken for the original spider when seen suspended on bark or in the house. The lifespan of most Huntsman species is about two years or more.
Simon Lockrey, industrial design research fellow and former vacuum cleaner design engineer: It certainly could, depending on the vacuum cleaner. If there is a clear way out, the huntsman could make its escape when the vacuum is turned off.
To clear this up, the Huntsman spider is venomous but not at a level that is harmful to people. Even when bitten, most people simply experience a small amount of pain at the site of the Huntsman bite. The exception to this would be a person with an allergy to the venom, which can produce a more significant reaction.
Considered the world's most venomous spider, Brazilian wandering spiders are large, aggressive and not to be trifled with. There's actually around nine species; the two most feared are Phoneutria fera and Phoneutria nigriventer.
A very common thing. “It's very likely that someone may have had prey caught on their face by a huntsman. Bushy eyebrows are the perfect hunting ground for a spider,” Mick told 2UE radio hosts John Stanley and Garry Linnell.
Don't Hurt a Huntsman – They Are Not Dangerous to You
They might be one of the largest spider species, but huntsman spiders rarely attack humans. So, while you may not want to keep them at home, there is no need to hurt them. Huntsman spiders' venom is non-lethal to humans.
Compared to other spiders, Huntsman spiders are relatively friendly – for instance, females rarely attack males during the mating process, and Delena cancerides, 'the Communal Huntsman', are known to live peacefully in large colonies that share prey and raise offspring together.
If you're the sensitive type who finds scented insect sprays a little heavy on the nose, Mortein Kill & Protect Odourless Crawling Insect Killer will do the trick.
In the bush these spiders are found living among loose bark on the ground or on trees. In homes – or even cars – they'll hide away in dark corners during the day and appear from dusk onwards as night-time insects emerge.