If you’ve ever been to Australia, chances are you’ve heard of toilet spiders. But what are they really? Do Australians have toilet spiders? And if so, what do Australians do with them? Here’s your guide to all things toilet spiders in Australia.
What are Australian Toilet Spiders
The Australian toilet spiders are giant huntsman spiders often found in the homestead, especially in the toilets. They are thought to keep away other dangerous spiders and therefore allowed in the house. The huntsman spiders eat flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, frogs, and most other household pests that may harm humans or their property.
Is It Common for Spiders to Be in Your Toilet in Australia?
There’s no denying that Australia is home to some of the world’s most unique and dangerous animals. But when it comes to toilet spiders, are they really as common as people say? No! The odds of finding a homestead with a toilet spider are negligible. Routine home cleaning would generally eliminate any chance of encountering one.
Are Huntsman Spiders Dangerous?
Generally, huntsman spiders are not deadly to humans. The largest danger is getting bitten by one. A bite will cause pain and a red mark on the skin that can itch for days or weeks. Some people might experience nausea, muscle aches, and other symptoms. However, these are mild symptoms and would only occur from an allergic reaction to the venom.
Is it Bad to Flush Spiders Down the Toilet?
Meeting spiders in the toilet can be scary for many people. Flushing a spider down the toilet seems the quickest way to get rid of it, but is this bad for your plumbing? Of course not. A spider is not big enough to clog up your pipes or cause any damage at all and will just go away after you flush it. However, drowning rarely kills a spider since their bodies use very little oxygen. If you are still worried about flushed spiders, experts say that setting a live trap next to the toilet is a better idea.
How to Get Rid of Spiders from Your Toilet
If you see a spider in your toilet, don’t panic! They’re more scared of you than you are of them. There are several ways of getting rid of spiders from your toilet. They include:
Clean regularly: You should vacuum the toilet and baseboard area at least once a week to remove any dust or cobwebs that might contain the eggs.
Use insecticides: There are many commercial products for killing spiders and other insects on contact. They may include residual sprays, aerosols (for spraying up into the corners), and foggers (to spray into cracks and crevices).
So, Do Australians Have Toilet Spiders
While some Australians have huntsman spiders in their homesteads, the number is negligible, making it rare to encounter residences with the spiders. Feel free to visit the country without fear of meeting scary spiders on the toilet seat.
