People in southern WA may be noticing more huntsman spiders in their homes or cars lately but there is no need to panic or fear the large arachnid, according to a leading spider expert.
While most spiders are quietening down at this time of year, the huntsman spider is active and in search of food and mates.
The huntsman is one of the largest spiders in Western Australia — often with a leg span of up to 15 centimetres.
Many people might cringe at the thought of huntsman spiders inside their homes, but WA Museum's head of terrestrial zoology Mark Harvey said the spider posed little danger to humans.
Dr Harvey said huntsman spiders often chase prey or mates inside houses or cars through small openings.
"They are certainly more active this time of year rather than other times of year," he said.
"They're looking for food so moving around a lot, they're probably looking for mates too … when they're more active people tend to notice them around houses, buildings or cars."
Unlike most spiders, huntsman spiders don't build webs or nests.
"They're a type of spider that doesn't build a retreat, they wander to find their food," Dr Harvey said.
"Black house spiders or orb spiders stay in one place where huntsmen walk around and seek prey where they can."
Dr Harvey said they may be attracted to moths found around lights this time of year.
"Huntsman spiders hunt and eat insects," he said.
"They mostly like to catch moths. Often they're found around houses as we have lights on, which can attract moths."
Dr Harvey said while the huntsman posed no real threat to humans and were beneficial in removing other pests, it was best to place them back outdoors.
"Our houses are bit like giant lobster traps," he said.
"Huntsman get in through crevices in doors or windows then can't find their way out. There's not enough food inside a house for a huntsman spider, so they're best off outside."
Dr Harvey said the safest method, for both people and spiders, was to use a container.
He said while they can give a painful bite, they don't pose a risk to humans.
"I don't recommend getting them on a broom, they're very fast, they'll run straight up the handle and on to your arm — most people wouldn't want that," he said.
"The best way is to get the spider on a flat surface like a wall and get a jar or container, place that over the spider and slip a piece of card or paper between the container and wall … then take it outside and place it down and the spider will leave."
