As well as being a beautiful, friendly and welcoming country, Australia is home to many unique and sometimes scary-looking creepy crawlies. While a few can be dangerous, most are harmless and like to avoid humans. With a bit of knowledge and care, you can stay safe and enjoy your time here.
Here are some of the most common creepy crawlies you might come across, what you need to know about them, where you’ll find them and how to avoid trouble.
Redback spiders
These small but venomous spiders are black with a distinctive red stripe on their back. They like dry, sheltered spaces and are commonly found around homes, sheds and outdoor furniture. A bite from a redback is potentially life-threatening and medical care should be sought immediately.
Where they hide:
In sheltered places like garden sheds, under outdoor furniture, inside shoes or hidden in clothing left outside.
Which states they’re in:
Found across all states and territories, especially in warmer and drier areas.
How to avoid trouble:
- Shake out shoes, clothing and towels before using them
- Avoid putting your hands in dark corners or crevices
- Keep outdoor areas tidy and clear of clutter
What to do if bitten:
- Stay calm and limit movement
- Seek medical help immediately
- Do not apply a tourniquet or attempt to suck out venom
Ticks
Ticks are tiny parasites that feed on blood and can carry diseases. Some people may even experience allergic reactions to a bite. They are most active in warmer months and tend to attach to skin when brushing against vegetation.
Where they hide:
In grassy or bushy areas, especially where there are native animals or livestock.
Which states they’re in:
Mainly found in New South Wales and Queensland, but can pop up elsewhere during warmer months.
How to avoid trouble:
- Wear long sleeves and pants in bushy areas
- Use insect repellent
- Check your body and scalp after being outdoors
What to do if bitten:
- Remove the tick as soon as possible with fine-tipped tweezers
- Disinfect the area
- Watch for allergic reactions or symptoms and see a doctor if unsure
Huntsman spiders
Large and fast-moving, huntsman spiders might look scary but are harmless to humans – in fact, they actually help by eating insects. They’re common in homes and gardens.
Where they hide:
Behind curtains, in cars, under bark or inside cupboards and shoes.
Which states they’re in:
Found in every state and territory.
How to avoid trouble:
- Gently remove them using a container and paper if found indoors
- Keep windows and doors closed or use fly-screens
- Check inside shoes and bags before use
What to do if bitten:
- Huntsman bites are very rare and usually mild
- Clean the bite area and monitor for signs of infection
- Seek medical advice if swelling or pain continues
Scorpions
Australian scorpions are generally not dangerous, but a sting can cause mild pain or swelling. They’re nocturnal and tend to avoid human contact.
Where they hide:
Under rocks, bark, logs or debris and sometimes in shoes or bags left outside.
Which states they’re in:
Mainly in Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia and South Australia.
How to avoid trouble:
- Wear gloves when moving rocks, logs or gardening
- Shake out shoes and bags left outside
- Avoid walking barefoot outdoors at night
What to do if stung:
- Wash the area with soap and water
- Apply a cold pack to reduce pain and swelling
- Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or don’t improve
Cane toads
These introduced animals are poisonous if eaten by pets or wildlife. While not harmful to humans through touch, their toxins can cause issues if ingested.
Where they hide:
In damp, shady spots like under plants, near water sources or garden sheds.
Which states they’re in:
Common in Queensland and the Northern Territory; slowly spreading into northern New South Wales and Western Australia.
How to avoid trouble:
- Don’t touch or pick up cane toads
- Keep pets away from them
- Wear gloves when working in areas where they may be hiding
What to do if exposed to toxin:
- Wash hands thoroughly if you touch one
- If ingested or if eye contact occurs, seek medical help immediately
Funnel-web spiders
One of the most venomous spiders in the world, but bites are extremely rare as they’re aggressive only when threatened.
Where they hide:
In burrows under logs or rocks, in moist bushland or gardens and occasionally in shoes or washing left outside.
Which states they’re in:
Mainly found in New South Wales, especially around Sydney and the eastern coast.
How to avoid trouble:
- Avoid reaching into dark, moist areas without gloves
- Don’t leave shoes or washing outdoors overnight
- Keep yards and gardens clear of debris
What to do if bitten:
- Apply a pressure bandage and keep still
- Call emergency services immediately (000)
- Do not wash the bite area – this can help identify the spider later
Snakes
Australia is home to several species of venomous snakes including the eastern brown and red-bellied black snake. They tend to avoid humans and bites are rare.
Where they hide:
In tall grass, wood piles, under sheds, rocks or near water sources.
Which states they’re in:
All states and territories, with different species common in different areas – eastern brown (NSW, QLD, VIC), tiger snakes (TAS, southern states), inland taipan (QLD, SA).
How to avoid trouble:
- Wear boots and long pants in tall grass
- Don’t disturb snakes if you see one – give it space
- Keep your surroundings clean and avoid piles of rubbish or wood
What to do if bitten:
- Remain as still and calm as possible
- Call emergency services (000)
- Apply a pressure bandage from the bite site up the limb
- Avoid washing the bite or cutting the wound
Be aware but not afraid
Creepy crawlies are a part of life in Australia, but serious problems with them are very rare. Most just want to be left alone. By taking simple steps – like checking your shoes, wearing gloves or long clothing when needed and keeping your living area tidy – you can avoid any issues.
Agri Labour Australia is here to help you feel safe and supported while you’re working and living in Australia. If you ever have concerns about your environment or safety, our team is always available.
