How To Get Rid Of Funnel Web Spiders
Funnel web spiders—known for their distinctive tunnel-shaped webs and sometimes aggressive behavior—can be challenging to eliminate without our professional help. However, homeowners and business owners can take several careful steps to manage these spiders effectively on their own. Here’s how to get rid of funnel web spiders:
Identify and Locate Funnel Web Spider Habitats
Start by confirming you’re dealing with funnel web spiders, not other web-building species. Funnel webs are typically dense, sheet-like webs with a narrow tube retreat where the spider hides. You’ll often find them:
Around foundations, stone walls, woodpiles, and dense ground cover
In garden mulch, shrubs, and rock crevices
Near window wells, sheds, and basements
Identifying their exact locations helps you focus your efforts where they’re most effective.
Eliminate Webs and Hiding Spots
Wear thick gloves and use a long-handled broom or vacuum to remove webs and debris. Be sure to:
Vacuum both webs and spiders when possible
Dispose of vacuum contents immediately in a sealed bag outdoors
Clear away clutter such as woodpiles, leaf litter, and unused equipment that provide shelter
Reducing cover makes your property less attractive to funnel web spiders and other insects they feed on.
Reduce Insect Prey Populations
Spiders thrive where food is abundant. To make your property less appealing:
Keep outdoor lights off or use yellow “bug lights” to avoid attracting flying insects
Seal trash cans tightly and eliminate standing water
Maintain regular yard maintenance to minimize breeding grounds for pests
Fewer insects mean fewer spiders.
Seal Entry Points
Prevent funnel web spiders from entering your home or business by sealing all potential access points:
Use caulk around doors, windows, pipes, and foundation cracks
Install or repair door sweeps and window screens
Check vents and utility openings for gaps
This is one of the most effective long-term defenses against re-infestation.
Apply Targeted Insecticides
If you choose to use pesticides, select residual insecticides labeled for spider control. Apply them carefully around:
Foundation perimeters and window sills
Baseboards and crawl space openings
Outdoor cracks, crevices, and mulch beds
Use a hand sprayer for control in outdoor areas and a dust formulation in wall voids or cracks. Always follow label instructions exactly to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Use Glue Traps Indoors
Place sticky traps along baseboards, behind furniture, and near entry points to monitor and reduce spider activity. These traps help confirm the extent of the problem and identify areas needing additional attention.
Maintain a Clean, Dry Environment
Funnel web spiders prefer dark, damp locations. Keeping basements, crawl spaces, and storage areas dry and well-lit will deter them. Use a dehumidifier if necessary.
Ongoing Monitoring
Continue to check for new webs and spiders weekly for several months. Regular maintenance and sanitation are key to preventing re-infestation.
Some species referred to as “funnel web spiders,” such as the Australian funnel web, are dangerously venomous. However, in the United States, funnel web spiders are typically harmless members of the Agelenidae family (like grass spiders), which are fast but not aggressive. If you’re unsure of the species—or if you’re in an area known for medically significant spiders—avoid direct handling and consult our professional pest control experts.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Funnel Web Spiders
Our professional pest control is the most effective, reliable, and safest way to get rid of funnel web spiders because we address not only the visible spiders and webs but also the root causes of the infestation. Funnel web spiders can be difficult to control using DIY methods alone, as these spiders are reclusive, fast-moving, and often nest in hard-to-reach places. Here's why hiring our professionals is the best solution:
Expert Identification and Species-Specific Treatment
Not all spiders that build funnel-shaped webs are true “funnel web spiders.” Many are common grass spiders or hobo spiders, which require different management strategies than dangerous Australian funnel webs or related species. Our professionals are trained to correctly identify the spider species, assess its risk, and choose precise control methods that work for that particular species’ behavior and habitat.
Access to Professional-Grade Products
Our licensed pest control technicians have access to EPA-regulated insecticides and dust formulations that are far more effective than over-the-counter options. These products are applied in strategic areas—cracks, crevices, foundation gaps, and voids—where funnel web spiders live and breed. Our professionals know how to apply them safely, ensuring maximum impact with minimal risk to people, pets, and the environment.
Targeted Elimination of Egg Sacs and Hidden Nests
Funnel web spiders often hide deep inside webs, woodpiles, or underground burrows, and their egg sacs can hatch dozens of young spiders. Our professionals are trained to locate and remove or treat these nesting sites—something most homeowners would miss—preventing re-infestation before it starts.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Approach
Our professional pest control team uses an Integrated Pest Management strategy that combines chemical and non-chemical techniques for long-term prevention. This includes:
Environmental modifications (reducing moisture and clutter)
Exclusion work (sealing cracks and entry points)
Habitat modification (removing nesting materials and food sources)
Continuous monitoring and follow-up treatments
This comprehensive approach delivers more permanent results than temporary DIY fixes.
Safety and Risk Reduction
Even if local funnel web species aren’t deadly, some can bite defensively, and all spider control products require cautious handling. Our professionals know how to work in potentially hazardous spaces—like crawl spaces, basements, and attics—without putting homeowners or employees at risk. We also ensure compliance with safety regulations and pesticide labeling laws.
Preventing Reinfestation
Funnel web spiders are persistent and may return if the underlying attractants—such as moisture, insects, and shelter—remain unaddressed. Our pest control professionals perform property inspections to identify and fix these vulnerabilities, ensuring spiders don’t come back after treatment.
Peace of Mind and Guaranteed Results
We provide a re-treatment warranty, meaning that if spiders reappear, we'll return to re-treat at no additional cost. This assurance saves homeowners and business owners time, effort, and money compared to repeated DIY attempts.
Comprehensive Property Protection
Funnel web infestations can indicate other underlying pest problems—like high insect populations, moisture issues, or foundation gaps. Our professionals address these contributing factors during our services, improving your property’s overall pest defense and structural integrity.
Hiring our professional pest control team to remove funnel web spiders ensures precise identification, advanced treatment methods, and long-term protection that DIY efforts can’t match. With our expert knowledge, safer applications, and comprehensive prevention strategies, our professionals provide total spider control and lasting peace of mind.