Spiders & Wormfarms

[Tamandco]

I've got 2 of the plastic shop bought worm farms and Which are riddled with spiders which look like a redback, but with a funny little pattern of beige coloured spots on their backs. Not all of them have these spots and some of the spiders look very very dark browny black, rather than jet black as I'd imagine a redback to be.

I could probably try to get a photo but it wouldn't be until tomorrow arvo.

Can anyone shed any light as to what these spiders are, whether or not they are dangerous, and how I could get rid of them.

I'm quite scared that my 3 year old might get bitten if he decides to go snooping as he often does around the garden :sad6: .


Tam

[matta1]

Tam photo would be good. If you haven’t had them long take them back to the shop. If they are tiny they may just be spider mite harmless to human but a pest to plants. If you are concerned keep them out of reach of little persons.
Matt

[SueinWA]

I ran across this site on spiders of NWQ, if it is of any help:

http://www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/features/ ... spider.asp (http://www.qmuseum.qld.gov.au/features/spiders/whatspider.asp)

Sue

[SueinWA]

Oops! Just looked at a map of Oz... :D

Maybe this would be more appropriate, a VICTORIAN spider museum:

http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/spiders/

Sue

[Franceyne]

Spiders are my thing - I have a bit of an obsession with them :D

What you are describing sound like they could be the cousin to the Red Back - often referred to as a cupboard spider (and that's where they can usually be found).

A photo would be good and then I can refer back to some field books if you like and let you know what they say in regards to toxicity of the bite, likelihood of a bite and the possible danger to your child.

Cheers,
Fran.

[Tamandco]

Thanks everyone.

I got back late today so will take the photo tomorrow and post sometime after midday.

Watch this space....

Tam

[Tamandco]

Sorry guys, the weather here's just been awful. Too wet and windy to do much outside, although there's always something needs doing.

I haven't managed to get a photo of this spider. I blasted the wormfarms with the high pressure hose the weekend before last and it looks like they might have taken a hike. No doubt they'll be back though, they always return.

From the info you provided Fran, I'm fairly certain it's your cupboard spider. Many of the sites I got on showed a spider which looked somewhat different, but I did track one down which was identical. Thank you for that. It's reasuring to know that they are not considered that dangerous, cerainly not like the redback.

I'll still try to get a photo to post here so keep watching.....

Tam

[Franceyne]

Glad I could help Tam :D

I think spiders are simply amazing creatures.