How do you get rid of funnel web spider holes? - Plant Care Guide

To get rid of funnel-web spider holes, especially in regions where dangerous species like the Sydney funnel-web spider are present (primarily Australia), the most critical steps involve extreme caution, proper identification, and targeted professional pest control. For less dangerous funnel-web spiders (common in the USA), prevention through habitat modification and less aggressive management of their webs around human activity areas is key. It's paramount to never handle a funnel-web spider directly.

What is a Funnel-Web Spider and Why Are Their Holes a Concern?

A funnel-web spider is a type of ground-dwelling spider known for constructing distinctive funnel-shaped silk webs, often leading into a burrows. While many species globally create funnel-shaped webs, the term "funnel-web spider" often carries a specific and significant concern, particularly referring to the highly venomous spiders of the Atrax and Hadronyche genera found in Australia (e.g., the Sydney funnel-web spider). Understanding what a funnel-web spider is and why their holes are a concern is the first step in deciding how to get rid of funnel-web spider holes.

Here's a breakdown:

1. What is a Funnel-Web Spider?

• Global Definition: Broadly, any spider that builds a horizontal sheet-like web with a funnel-shaped retreat at one end is often called a funnel-web spider. These include many harmless species worldwide, belonging to families like Agelenidae (grass spiders in North America).
• Highly Venomous Species (Australian Context): When people express concern about "funnel-web spiders," they are usually referring to the highly dangerous species found predominantly in eastern Australia, particularly the Sydney funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus). These spiders are:
  • Appearance: Large (1-5 cm body length), robust, usually dark brown to black, with a shiny carapace (head/thorax) and powerful fangs.
  • Habitat: Ground-dwellers, found in moist, cool, sheltered microhabitats. They are often found in urban areas.
  • Behavior: Highly aggressive when threatened, quick-moving, and can deliver repeated, painful, and medically significant (potentially fatal) bites.
• North American "Funnel Weavers" (Grass Spiders): In the USA, what are commonly called "funnel-web spiders" are usually grass spiders (family Agelenidae).
  • Appearance: Typically smaller (0.5-2 cm), often brown or tan with stripes on the cephalothorax. They have prominent spinnerets at the rear.
  • Habitat: Common in lawns, tall grasses, shrubs, and rarely indoors.
  • Behavior: Non-aggressive, shy, and their bites are generally harmless (like a bee sting, with mild localized pain). They are beneficial pest controllers.

2. Why Are Their Holes a Concern?

The concern about funnel-web spider holes primarily stems from the presence of the spider itself, particularly if it's a dangerous species.

• For Highly Venomous Species (Australia):
  • Proximity to Humans: Their burrows are often found in gardens, under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and around building foundations – places where people might walk, garden, or reach.
  • Aggression: These spiders will aggressively defend their burrows if disturbed. The males, especially, are known to wander during warmer months, seeking mates, and are more likely to encounter humans, often becoming defensive.
  • Medical Significance: A bite from one of these species requires immediate medical attention. Knowing where their burrows are highlights a high-risk area.
• For Harmless Species (USA Grass Spiders):
  • Minimal Concern: For grass spiders in the USA, their holes are generally not a concern from a danger perspective. Their bites are harmless, and they are beneficial.
  • Aesthetic/Nuisance: The concern is usually more about the presence of their extensive, sheet-like webs in lawns or on shrubs, which can be aesthetically unpleasing or a minor nuisance. The "holes" are just the funnel retreats within these webs.

Identifying the Hole:

• Funnel Shape: The most distinctive feature is the funnel-shaped silken tube, which acts as a trap for prey and a retreat for the spider. It typically leads down into a burrow or sheltered crevice.
• Sheet Web: Often, a flat, non-sticky sheet web radiates outwards from the funnel opening. The spider waits in the funnel for prey to land on the sheet web.
• Location: In shady, moist areas, often at ground level, under rocks, or at the base of plants.

Given the potential danger of some species, if you suspect you have highly venomous funnel-web spiders, particularly if you are in Australia, extreme caution and professional help are essential steps to get rid of funnel-web spider holes. For harmless species, management is less aggressive.

How Do I Identify a Funnel-Web Spider Hole (Distinguishing Harmless from Dangerous)?

To get rid of funnel-web spider holes effectively and safely, the first and most critical step is how to identify a funnel-web spider hole, especially distinguishing between potentially dangerous species (like the Australian funnel-webs) and relatively harmless ones (like grass spiders in the USA). This identification dictates your approach, from extreme caution to simple habitat modification.

Here’s how to identify a funnel-web spider hole and its occupant:

1. Characteristics of the Web/Hole Itself:

• General Funnel-Web Structure (Both Types):
  • Sheet Web: Look for a broad, flat, messy, non-sticky sheet of silk, typically built close to the ground, often among grass, leaf litter, rocks, or groundcovers. This sheet catches prey.
  • Funnel Retreat: A distinctive, narrow, funnel-shaped tube of silk will extend from this sheet web, leading down into a burrow (in the ground, under a rock, or in a log) or a deep crevice. The spider waits inside this funnel.
  • Non-Sticky: The web itself is usually not sticky like an orb weaver's web; the spider relies on speed to capture prey once it steps on the sheet.
• Location:
  • Grass Spiders (USA): Very common in lawns, dense grass, low shrubs, and sometimes under woodpiles. Webs often have a "dewdrop" effect in the morning.
  • Dangerous Funnel-Webs (Australia): Prefer moist, cool, sheltered areas. Found in leaf litter, under logs, rocks, pavers, in dense groundcover, under foundations, in compost piles, and even in footwear/clothing left outdoors. Their burrows often have trip-lines extending from the funnel mouth.

2. Characteristics of the Spider (Crucial for Identification - Observe from a Distance!):

A. North American "Funnel Weavers" / Grass Spiders (Family Agelenidae) - Generally Harmless:

• Size: Body length usually 0.5 to 2 cm (smaller to medium-sized).
• Color: Often brown, tan, or grayish, with distinctive stripes (often darker) on their cephalothorax (head and midsection). Their abdomen is typically patterned.
• Key Feature: Prominent Spinnerets: They have two very noticeable, long, finger-like spinnerets (silk-spinning organs) that stick out prominently from the rear of their abdomen. This is a key distinguishing feature.
• Legs: Legs are often hairy and banded.
• Behavior (if seen): Typically very shy and reclusive. They are fast-moving when disturbed but tend to dart back into their funnel rather than confront. Bites are rare and medically insignificant.

B. Australian Funnel-Web Spiders (Atrax and Hadronyche genera) - Highly Venomous:

• Size: Larger and more robust. Body length typically 1.5 to 5 cm.
• Color: Usually glossy, dark brown to black, with a distinctly shiny, hairless carapace (head and midsection). Their abdomen can be dark and velvety.
• Key Feature: Massive, Downward-Pointing Fangs: They have large, powerful fangs that point downwards (parallel to each other), which can deliver a deep, painful bite.
• Legs: Robust, strong, and often dark.
• Behavior (if seen): Extremely aggressive and defensive when threatened. They will often rear up on their hind legs, displaying their fangs and adopting a striking posture. They can be very fast.
• Spinnerets: Their spinnerets are typically shorter and less prominent than those of grass spiders.

Action Based on Identification:

• If in North America and you suspect a grass spider: General management (removing webs, cleaning up habitat) is usually sufficient. Bites are not a medical emergency.
• If in Australia and you suspect a highly venomous funnel-web spider:
  • DO NOT APPROACH OR HANDLE. Their bite is a medical emergency.
  • Call local pest control or emergency services for advice.
  • If you must capture it (e.g., if it's indoors and poses immediate risk), use extreme caution with a jar and a long stick (never directly touch).

General Rule: If you are unsure about the spider's identity, especially in regions known for dangerous species, treat it with extreme caution and seek expert advice. When you get rid of funnel-web spider holes, identification is the foundation of safety.

What Are Effective Non-Toxic Methods to Deter Funnel-Web Spiders?

When trying to get rid of funnel-web spider holes, particularly for common, less dangerous species (like grass spiders in the USA) or as a preventative measure against dangerous ones (in Australia), effective non-toxic methods focus on habitat modification, natural repellents, and physical exclusion. These approaches prioritize safety and minimize harm to the environment.

Here are effective non-toxic methods to deter funnel-web spiders:

1. Habitat Modification / Garden Cleanup (Most Effective):
   • Remove Hiding Spots: Funnel-web spiders (both harmless and dangerous) seek cool, moist, sheltered places.
     • Action: Regularly clear leaf litter, grass clippings, woodpiles, old tarps, debris, and clutter from around your garden, house foundation, and areas of human activity.
     • Trim Foliage: Keep grass mowed short, and trim dense groundcovers or shrubs away from pathways, house walls, and entry points.
     • Seal Gaps: Seal cracks and crevices in foundations, around windows, and under doors to prevent spiders from entering structures.
   • Benefits: This directly reduces the number of suitable nesting and hunting sites, forcing spiders to relocate.
2. Maintain a Dry Perimeter:
   • Problem: Funnel-web spiders prefer moist environments.
   • Action: Ensure good drainage around your house foundation and garden beds. Avoid overwatering plants near structures. Repair leaky outdoor faucets.
   • Benefits: Creates a less attractive habitat.
3. Encourage Natural Predators:
   • Beneficial Insects: Encourage general spider predators like birds, lizards, and other beneficial insects (e.g., parasitic wasps, praying mantises, certain ground beetles).
   • Benefits: A healthy, diverse garden ecosystem with natural predators helps keep all spider populations (including funnel-webs) in check.
4. Peppermint Oil Spray (Repellent - Anecdotal/Mild Deterrent):
   • How it Works (Claimed): Spiders are believed to dislike the strong scent of peppermint oil.
   • Application: Mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with a cup of water and a few drops of mild dish soap (as an emulsifier). Apply with a garden sprayer around foundations, windows, doorframes, and areas where you've seen webs.
   • Caution: Requires frequent reapplication (especially after rain) as the scent dissipates. Not a primary control method, but can act as a deterrent for entry.
5. Vinegar Spray (Repellent - Anecdotal/Mild Deterrent):
   • How it Works (Claimed): Spiders supposedly dislike the smell and taste of vinegar.
   • Application: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray around entry points and edges of areas you want to protect.
   • Caution: Non-selective, can harm plants. Use with care.
6. Borax (for Perimeter Use - Caution!):
   • How it Works: Borax acts as a desiccant (dries out insects) and can be toxic if ingested.
   • Application: Lightly sprinkle borax powder around the perimeter of non-edible garden areas or along foundation cracks.
   • Caution: Can be toxic to plants, pets, and children if ingested. Do not use in areas where edibles are grown or where pets/children frequent. Use with extreme caution.
7. Physical Removal of Webs/Holes (for Nuisance Species):
   • Action: For grass spiders in the USA, simply sweeping away their funnel webs with a broom or hose blast can encourage them to relocate.
   • Benefits: Reduces aesthetic nuisance.

For highly venomous species, these methods are for deterrence and prevention, not for direct removal of an active, known burrow. In such cases, professional pest control is imperative. These non-toxic approaches help create an environment less hospitable to funnel-web spiders, assisting in the broader goal to get rid of funnel-web spider holes.

How Do I Safely Remove Harmless Funnel-Web Spider Holes?

For harmless funnel-web spider holes (typically those of grass spiders in the USA), removal is generally focused on managing their web presence rather than eradicating the spider itself, as these spiders are beneficial predators. Safety is still key, but the primary concern is nuisance or aesthetics. You would generally not use aggressive pest control.

Here’s how to safely remove harmless funnel-web spider holes:

1. Confirm It's a Harmless Species (Crucial First Step!):
   • Re-Identification: Double-check that the spider is indeed a grass spider or other harmless North American funnel-weaver. Look for the prominent spinnerets and typical brown/tan striped pattern. If you are in Australia and suspect a venomous funnel-web, do NOT proceed with these steps; call a professional.
2. Wear Protective Gear (Basic Safety):
   • Even for harmless spiders, it's always wise to wear gardening gloves and possibly long sleeves if you are working close to the web. This is mostly to protect from minor skin irritation from plants or other insects, not from the spider itself.
3. Physical Web Removal:
   • Broom/Stick: Use a broom, stick, or a rake to sweep away the sheet-like webs, including the funnel. This often disrupts the spider's home, encouraging it to relocate.
   • Hose Blast: A strong jet of water from a garden hose can also be effective at washing away webs, especially from shrubs or house foundations.
   • Vacuum (for indoors/sheltered areas): For webs in sheltered areas like a porch corner, a shop vac can effectively remove the web and spider.
   • Timing: Remove webs early in the morning when dew makes them more visible.
4. Seal Entry Points (if indoors):
   • If you find webs indoors (uncommon for grass spiders, as they prefer outdoors), seal cracks and crevices in windows, doors, and foundations to prevent re-entry.
5. Remove Debris and Maintain Tidiness:
   • Habitat Reduction: Grass spiders thrive in dense vegetation and cluttered areas. Keep lawns mowed, trim back overgrown shrubs, and remove leaf litter or woodpiles near areas where you don't want webs.
   • Benefits: This reduces desirable habitat, prompting them to move to less conspicuous locations.
6. Relocation (Optional, for visible spiders):
   • If you see the spider and want to relocate it, simply place a jar over it, slide a piece of paper underneath, and release it in a more remote part of your garden or a wooded area. This is a humane method.
7. Embrace Their Presence (When Possible):
   • Remember that grass spiders are beneficial predators that eat many garden pests, including flies, mosquitoes, and small caterpillars. If their webs are in an out-of-the-way location, consider leaving them be. They are a natural part of the garden ecosystem.

By focusing on safe physical removal and habitat modification, you can effectively safely remove harmless funnel-web spider holes from areas where they are a nuisance, while still appreciating their ecological role elsewhere in the garden.

When Should I Call a Professional for Funnel-Web Spider Holes?

You should call a professional for funnel-web spider holes immediately and without hesitation if you are in a region where highly venomous species are known to occur (primarily eastern Australia) and you suspect or identify such a spider or its burrow. For common, less dangerous funnel-web species (like grass spiders in North America), professional intervention is generally not necessary unless there's an overwhelming infestation posing a significant nuisance or concern. Safety is paramount, and expert identification is invaluable.

Here's when you should call a professional for funnel-web spider holes:

1. Suspected or Confirmed Highly Venomous Species (CRITICAL!):
   • Location: If you are in Australia, particularly in and around Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, and the south-east coast of Queensland, and you see a spider that matches the description of a highly venomous funnel-web spider (large, robust, shiny black carapace, powerful fangs, aggressive posture).
   • Burrow Identification: If you confidently identify a burrow with a characteristic funnel web in an area of human activity (e.g., backyard, under pavers, near a pool).
   • Rationale: The bites of these spiders are medically significant and potentially fatal, requiring immediate medical attention. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to safely identify, remove, and manage these dangerous pests. Never attempt to handle these spiders yourself.
2. High-Risk Areas of Human Activity (for Dangerous Species):
   • If funnel-web holes (of dangerous species) are found in areas where children play, where gardening is regularly done, or near entry points to your home. The risk of accidental encounter and bite is too high.
3. Overwhelming Infestation (Any Species):
   • If you have an unusually high number of funnel-web spider holes (even from harmless species) that are causing widespread aesthetic nuisance (e.g., a lawn covered in webs) or are making areas unusable, a professional can offer more comprehensive management solutions than DIY methods.
4. Persistent Indoor Presence (Any Species):
   • While most funnel-weavers are outdoor spiders, if you find them persistently building webs or nesting indoors, a professional can help identify entry points and implement exclusion and control measures.
5. Uncertainty About Species Identification:
   • If you are simply unsure about the type of spider you are dealing with, especially if you live in a region where dangerous spiders are present (e.g., a broad range of venomous spiders in the USA like black widows or brown recluse, or Australian funnel-webs), it is always best to err on the side of caution and call a professional for positive identification and advice. Do not risk a dangerous bite.
6. After Failed DIY Attempts (for Nuisance Species):
   • If you've tried non-toxic or manual methods to deter harmless funnel-web spiders but their presence remains a significant nuisance or concern, a professional can offer more targeted and robust solutions.

What a Professional Can Do:

• Accurate Identification: Safely identify the spider species.
• Targeted Treatment: Apply appropriate and effective pesticides (if necessary and safe) to specific burrows or areas.
• Safe Removal: Safely remove dangerous spiders and their burrows.
• Prevention Advice: Offer advice on habitat modification and long-term prevention strategies.

In summary, for dangerous funnel-web spiders, always call a professional. For nuisance species, call if DIY methods fail or if the infestation is overwhelming. Prioritizing safety and expert advice is key when dealing with funnel-web spider holes.