Spider outbreak in Melbourne?

2nd October 2019

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Should we be scared? Several local news sources have written about a possible spider outbreak in Melbourne!

While Melbourne does have a wide array of spiders, some of which can be large, they are generally not poisonous and don’t bother us too much. They are actually quite a rare sight in urban areas. Therefore, news about an outbreak has gathered some attention.

It was reported that a household in the Southeast suburb of Pakenham found dozens of holes in their garden a few weeks ago. Initially ignoring it, the holes actually were the result of a busy Trapdoor Spiders, much like the one pictured.

The Melbourne trapdoor spiders can be large, measuring up to 3.5cm in length with dark brown features and their bodies covered in little hairs.

According to official government information, trapdoor spiders actually work to control many other garden pests. And luckily, they are generally not considered a big danger to humans. They can bite though so I will be keeping a safe distance, believe me on that.

Trapdoor spiders can also present a risk to pets, especially smaller ones, so if you are a pet owner, do double check your garden. But no cause for alarm and no credible evidence a big outbreak is occurring.

News source: Herald Sun

Pic source: B Dupont, no changes made, link