Avoiding Spiders in New Zealand

New Zealand is home to over 2,500 species of spiders, most of which are harmless to humans. While many of these spiders play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations, there are a few species that can cause concern due to their bites and potential health risks. Understanding which spiders to watch out for and how to prevent spider infestations in your home can help you maintain a safe and comfortable living environment.

Dangerous Spiders in New Zealand

While New Zealand spiders are generally not as dangerous as those in Australia, there are three species that can pose a health risk:

Katipo Spider – A rare but venomous species found in coastal areas. Only adult females can bite, and while bites are uncommon, they may require medical attention.
Redback Spider – Originally from Australia, the redback spider has become established in parts of New Zealand. Like the katipo, only females bite, and while anti-venom is available, bites can be painful.
White-Tailed Spider – Unlike the katipo and redback, white-tailed spiders are common inside homes. While they are not venomous, their bites can cause irritation, swelling, and discomfort.

Since spider bites can resemble other insect bites, it can be difficult to determine whether a bite came from a spider. If a bite becomes swollen, ulcerates, or leads to other physical symptoms, it’s best to seek medical attention.

Why Are There Spiders in Your Home?

Many homeowners are surprised to learn that spiders are often a sign of a bigger pest problem. Because spiders are predators, they only thrive in areas where there is a steady food source—which means if you have a spider infestation, you likely have other insect problems as well.

Spiders tend to enter homes in search of food, shelter, or warmth, particularly during cooler months. Some species hide in dark, undisturbed areas, such as attics, basements, and storage spaces, while others prefer corners of ceilings, windows, and outdoor sheds.

How to Prevent Spiders from Entering Your Home

If you want to reduce the number of spiders in your home, the best approach is to eliminate their food source—other pests. Here are some key spider prevention tips:

Reduce Clutter – Spiders love hiding in dark, undisturbed spaces, so regularly cleaning storage areas can help keep them away.
Seal Cracks & Gaps – Spiders and their prey can sneak in through tiny openings, so seal gaps around windows, doors, and vents.
Keep Your Home Clean – Regular vacuuming can remove spider eggs, webs, and other insects that serve as food for spiders.
Turn Off Outdoor Lights – Outdoor lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders looking for food. Turning off unnecessary lights can help reduce spider activity.
Control Other Pests – Since spiders rely on insects for food, effective pest control will reduce their presence in your home.

How Flick Helps with Spider Control

At Flick, we take a comprehensive approach to pest control—we don’t just target spiders, we eliminate the pests that attract them. Our professional spider control services include:

Identifying the Root Cause – We assess your property to determine why spiders are present and what insect populations are sustaining them.
Effective Spider Treatment – We use targeted treatments to reduce spider numbers and prevent future infestations.
Eliminating Their Food Source – By addressing underlying pest issues, we ensure that your home remains not just spider-free, but pest-free.

Spiders may play an important role in nature, but that doesn’t mean you want them inside your home. With Flick’s expert pest control solutions, you can keep your home safe from spiders and the pests they feed on.

Get Expert Spider Control with Flick

If you’ve noticed spiders in your home, it’s a sign that other pests might be present as well. Don’t wait until an infestation grows — contact Flick today for professional spider control services and keep your home safe and pest-free.