Huntsman Spiders (Family Sparassidae) – Identification, Control, and Facts

 I’ve been dealing with spiders for over 15 years. Among all the arachnids that cause panic at home, the huntsman spider is one of the most misunderstood. People often confuse it with the brown recluse or wolf spider, but the huntsman (Sparassidae family) is a completely different story.
These large, fast, and flat-bodied spiders are common across Australia, Asia, Africa, and parts of Europe and the Americas. Despite their size and scary look, they are not aggressive and rarely dangerous to humans. Still, in homes, restaurants, or food facilities, they can cause fear, complaints, and occasional contamination issues.

Identification

Huntsman spiders are easily recognized once you know what to look for:

• Scientific name: Family Sparassidae (includes genera Heteropoda, Delena, Isopeda, Micrommata, etc.).

• Body size: 1–2.5 cm body length, with leg span up to 15 cm.

• Color: Brown, grey, or light tan, often with mottled markings for camouflage.

• Shape: Flat body and long crab-like legs that extend sideways, allowing them to squeeze behind furniture or under bark.

• Speed: Very fast runners. They move in sudden bursts rather than slow crawling.

• Egg sacs: White, papery discs about 2 cm wide. Females guard them aggressively.

They don’t build classic webs. Instead, they hunt prey actively on walls, ceilings, and even inside cars.

Common look-alikes include wolf spiders (Lycosidae) and giant house spiders (Eratigena spp.), but huntsmen have flatter bodies and sideways legs like crabs.

Biology and Ecology

Huntsman spiders are nocturnal predators. They feed on cockroaches, moths, flies, and even small geckos or frogs. Their eyesight is decent, but they rely more on vibrations and touch.

Reproduction

Females lay 100–200 eggs in one sac, then guard it for weeks. Newly hatched spiderlings stay close to the mother for several days before dispersing. In warm climates, huntsmen can live for up to 2 years.

Behavior

They prefer warm, dry environments, hiding behind picture frames, curtains, or loose bark during the day. Unlike web-building spiders, they ambush prey using speed and surprise.

In nature, they play a useful role in controlling insect populations. In homes, however, their sudden appearance can cause alarm, and their shed skins or feces can dirty walls or storage areas.

Global Distribution

Huntsman spiders have adapted to nearly every warm region on Earth.

• Australia: Especially common; often called “giant crab spiders.” Species like Delena cancerides and Isopeda villosa frequently enter houses.

• Asia: Heteropoda venatoria is found from India to Japan and is also known as the banana spider because it often travels with fruit shipments.

• Africa: Several Sparassidae species occur in South Africa and Madagascar.

• Europe: Rare but found in southern areas like Spain, Italy, and Greece.

• Americas: Introduced populations in Florida, Texas, and Central America thrive in greenhouses and port cities.

Because of international trade, huntsman spiders now appear even in cold countries through imported goods.

Risks and Damage

Despite their terrifying appearance, huntsman spiders are not considered dangerous. Their venom is weak to humans and comparable to a mild bee sting. However, they can cause:

• Fear and panic, leading to workplace or household disruption.

• Accidents, especially when one suddenly appears while driving or working at height.

• Food contamination, if found in commercial kitchens or storage rooms.

• Customer complaints in hotels or restaurants, where any spider presence is unacceptable.

In rare cases, a defensive bite can cause mild swelling or redness. Serious reactions are extremely uncommon.

Signs of Infestation

Huntsman spiders do not infest in large numbers, but you may notice signs such as:

• Sightings of a large, flat spider on walls or ceilings.

• Shed exoskeletons near corners, behind furniture, or in garages.

• Egg sacs under furniture, wall cracks, or behind curtains.

• Spider droppings (tiny white or grey spots) near resting places.

• Increased insect activity (their prey attracts them).

Because they are solitary, you may only see one or two, but this usually means the environment is favorable for more.

Control Methods

I’ve removed huntsman spiders from homes, cars, and restaurants countless times. The key is preventive exclusion and gentle removal, not harsh chemicals.

1. Physical Removal

• Catch them with a jar and cardboard, then release outside.

• Use a long-handled vacuum to remove spiders and egg sacs.

• Seal cracks, gaps, and vents with silicone or mesh.

2. Environmental Control

• Reduce insects by keeping the area clean and using fly screens.

• Move beds, couches, and storage boxes away from walls.

• Avoid clutter, especially cardboard and stacked materials.

3. Chemical Treatment (When Needed)

For severe or recurring presence:

• Apply pyrethroid-based sprays (like deltamethrin or bifenthrin) around windows, doors, and corners.

• Use residual dust (silica gel or diatomaceous earth) inside wall voids or roof cavities.

• Always read and follow the product label; overuse is ineffective and illegal in most regions.

4. Natural Repellents

• Essential oils like peppermint, citrus, or eucalyptus can help but give short-term results only.

• Sticky traps may catch other insects and reduce the huntsman’s food source indirectly.

Advanced Approaches

In commercial spaces, a more structured pest management plan is needed:

• Inspection program: Identify entry points and humidity levels.

• Monitoring: Use UV insect traps to reduce flying insect prey.

• Exterior maintenance: Seal wall gaps, service vents, and rooflines.

• Staff training: Teach employees how to safely capture or report spiders.

Cultural and Historical Context

In many cultures, huntsman spiders have mixed reputations.

• Australia: They are respected for eating cockroaches; many locals let them stay in garages.

• China and Japan: Considered good luck if found indoors, as they eat pests.

• Europe and North America: Usually feared because of their size and speed.

• Hawaii and the Caribbean: Heteropoda venatoria is called the “housekeeper spider” because it keeps cockroaches under control.

In short, whether you see it as a guest or intruder depends on your tolerance for large spiders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are huntsman spiders dangerous?
No. Their venom is weak and rarely causes medical problems. They are defensive only when cornered.

2. What do huntsman spiders eat?
Mostly insects like cockroaches, moths, and flies. Large ones may catch small reptiles.

3. Why do huntsman spiders enter houses?
They seek warmth, prey, or shelter. During rainy or cold seasons, they often move indoors.

4. How can I keep huntsman spiders out of my car?
Avoid parking near vegetation, keep windows closed, and vacuum the car interior regularly. They hide behind sun visors or dashboards.

5. Do huntsman spiders make webs?
No. They are wandering hunters and only make silk for egg sacs or shelter.

6. What is the biggest huntsman spider ever found?
The giant Heteropoda maxima from Laos holds the record with a 30 cm leg span.

7. Can cats or dogs get bitten by huntsman spiders?
Yes, but rarely. Pets may play with them and get a mild reaction. Usually harmless.

8. Are they beneficial to have around?
Yes, in small numbers. They eat household pests like cockroaches and mosquitoes.