How to Get Rid of White Tail Spiders

There’s nothing worse than feeling a spider in your bed or hidden in your clothing, especially when it’s a white tail spider (Lampona Cylindrata). These Australian invaders are common in New Zealand, and while their bites aren’t as dangerous as some believe, they’re still unwelcome guests that you don’t want lurking in the dark corners.

If you’re wondering how to get rid of white tail spiders from your property, you’re already on the right track. We’ll cover everything you need to know in this guide.

What Are White Tail Spiders?

White tail spiders are slender, grey to dark brown spiders that are just 1-2 centimetres in length, roughly the size of a fifty-cent coin with their legs fully extended. They’re easily identified by the cream-white spot on the tip of their abdomen, which gives them their name.

Originally from Australia, these pests arrived in New Zealand in the late 1800s and have since established themselves across the country. Unlike many spiders that spin webs to catch prey, white tails are active nocturnal hunters, roaming around at night searching for other spiders to eat.

If you are not certain which spider you are dealing with, our guide to the common spiders found in Wellington homes covers the other species you are likely to come across.

Are White Tail Spider Bites Dangerous?

Despite the fear these little guys cause, their bites are rarely dangerous. While they can be painful, they’re generally no worse than your standard bee sting for most people.

If you’ve been bitten, you’ll typically experience an initial burning sensation, followed by localised pain, swelling, and a red mark at the bite site. Some people may also experience mild nausea or headaches, with most symptoms generally resolving within 24 hours.

However, if you’re experiencing severe pain, signs of infection, difficulty breathing, or any symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention ASAP. If you’re unsure whether you’ve been bitten, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional.

Where You’ll Find White Tails in Your Home

If you’re unsure whether you have white tail spiders in your home, there are a few tell-tale signs that give away their presence. If you notice the following, it’s time to take action.

• Direct Sightings: Seeing white tail spiders in bedding, clothing, shoes, or running across walls and floors at night.
• Spiderless Webs: Finding abandoned spider webs throughout your home (the original occupant may have been dinner for a white tail).
• Dark Hiding Spots: Finding them hiding in cupboards, behind furniture, or in roof voids during the day.
• Seasonal Increase: Noticing more spiders through autumn and into winter, when they move indoors seeking warmth.
• Regular Appearances: Seeing multiple white tail spiders over a short period indicates an established population in your home.

How to Get Rid of White Tail Spiders

Keeping your home free from these little pests takes a combination of prevention, regular maintenance, and occasionally professional intervention.

Home Maintenance & Basic Prevention

White tails hunt other spiders, so removing this food source is your first line of defence. Vacuum corners, ceilings, and behind furniture regularly to eliminate cobwebs and other spider species in your home.

Keep your floors clear of clothes, shoes, and other clutter where white tails typically hide during the day. Seal cracks around doors, windows, and walls to prevent entry, paying special attention to where pipes and cables enter your home.

Exterior Property Care

Waterblast your home’s exterior regularly. Focus on eaves, window frames, and areas where webbing tends to accumulate. Remove plant debris and maintain gardens to reduce the number of spiders that can make their way into your home.

Natural deterrents like peppermint, lavender, and eucalyptus oils may provide a temporary fix, but they won’t solve persistent white tail problems in the long term.

Professional Spider Control

If you’re still seeing white tails around despite prevention efforts, professional treatment is the most effective solution. Our professional spider control treatments target both active spiders and their egg sacs in hard-to-reach areas, such as roof voids and wall cavities.

Common Questions About White Tail Spiders

Where are white tail spiders commonly found in homes?

During the day, white tail spiders prefer dark, undisturbed areas to hide. You’ll often find them hiding in bedding, piles of clothing, shoes, and towels left on the floor. They also like to hide away in cupboards, behind furniture, under sinks, and within your roof and walls.

As nocturnal hunters, you may see them running across walls or floors at night in search of prey. If you’re finding these guys in multiple locations throughout your home, understanding how to get rid of white tail spiders becomes essential.

What attracts white tail spiders to my house?

The main thing attracting these guys is other spiders—their favourite food source. If you have grey house spiders, black house spiders, or other common spider species present, you’re essentially offering up a buffet.

They’re also after warmth and shelter through autumn and into winter. Reducing their food source and maintaining a tidy, well-sealed home are key steps in making your property less attractive to these unwanted pests.

How long does professional white tail spider treatment last?

Professional treatment typically protects your home for several months. The exact duration will depend on the condition of your home, its surrounding environment, and your ongoing maintenance practices.

While professional treatment targets both the spiders and their eggs, new spiders can always enter from outside, especially if there’s a nearby infestation or gaps in your home’s exterior. Combining professional treatment with ongoing maintenance is your best bet for a longer time between treatments.

Eliminate White Tails in Your Home for Peace of Mind

Spotting white tails throughout your house? They don’t need to be a permanent fixture. With consistent prevention, ongoing maintenance, and help from professionals, you can keep these unwelcome visitors away from your space and protect your family from their uncomfortable bites.

If DIY prevention isn’t working, it’s time to contact Combat Pest Control. We’re Wellington’s local white tail spider experts and can help you reclaim your home from these tiny pests!

Nic Bolton
Pest Expert

Nic is a pest industry professional who has been honing his skills eliminating unwanted household pests and educating our customers in the Wellington region for the last 20 years.