Spider Wasps in Australia: Signs, Habitat & Prevention Tips

Imagine walking with the love of your life in the beautiful garden of your home and suddenly being stung by a swarm of spider wasps, which got you admitted to the hospital. It sounds scary, but don’t worry,  in this blog we will tell you about spider wasps, their signs, habitat and prevention tips. So you can enjoy your summer and walk without suffering from the painful sting of spider wasps.

 Spider Wasps are the most mesmerising and fierce types of insects found in Australia from October to April. They produce the most painful stings and their venom can even paralyse larger spiders and funnel webs. They have long legs, a striking appearance and a super chilling attitude like laying eggs on a spider's body so the occurring larvae can feed on them. Even though the spider wasps in Australia are very chilly insects and never attack until they feel endangered or intimidated. The spider wasp infestation is rare.  Still being unprepared can be painful, so it's better to understand the risk, behaviour and prevention to keep yourself safe.

Let's have a look at their signs, habitat and prevention tips

Signs Of Spider Wasps In Australia

Spider wasps can be identified by their wild behaviour, exceptional colors and unique hunting habits, which can make them different from other spiders.

• Wild Movement - Spider wasps always keep moving and infrequently stay still. They walk quickly across the ground and flick their wings in a disturbed and nervous manner. They are so hyperactive that it makes it easy to see.
• Striking Formation- Many spiders, like the orange spider wasps, have a cheeky black body with yellow or orange markings, a shady brown or black thorax and wings with an orange tint. While some can be fully black or deep blue.
• Long legs - They have long legs, which are covered with spines. It helps them in digging a nest in the sand.
• Extraordinary Prey Carrier- People usually see them transport paralysed spiders, mostly bigger than their own size, towards their nest.
• Nesting Style - Some species hunt directly on webs, while female spider wasps dig holes in soft soil or sand.
• Size - Every spider wasp is different in size.  They are measured from 12mm to 30mm in some species. 

Habitat Of Spider Wasps

Spider wasps are found in most places in Australia. They have adjusted in a broad range of environments. They are usually seen at natural places like woodlands, forest and wetlands and are comfortable living near urban and suburban areas.

Unlike other general wasps, spider wasps live isolated lives and do not form families or societies. Every female spider wasp works independently and carefully digs her own nest chamber. They usually built their nests in the ground and soft soil and supported them with mud to toughen. Other species coat their nest with shiny material to protect the growing larvae inside.

Feeding And Manners

Adult spider wasps mostly spend their summer feeding on flower nectar and make it their main diet and energy source. When they have to reproduce, female spider wasps start their passionate hunt for spiders searching near the tree trunk, garden and across the ground. When they find a suitable spider, they attack them with their stings and paralyse it. They dragged the paralysed spider to their dug nest chamber and laid a single egg on the spider and packed the chamber. After the larva hatches, it attaches to the spider's body and forms a slim and soft cocoon.

Every species has its own different methods. Some wasps remove the legs of large spiders to make it easy to carry, while others skip the next building part and consume the spider as it is stung. In every method, the selected spider should be large enough to support the developing larva.

Prevention Tips

The first measure to keep spider wasps away from your home is to remove the things that are attracting them to your home. Maintaining spiders, cleanliness and following prevention tips can decrease the chances of spider wasps near your home.

• Restrict Spider -  Spider wasps depend on spiders for their survival. By restricting spider activity near your home, you can limit the risk of spider wasps near your home. Fewer spiders, less chance of them sticking to your home.
• Manage A Clean Garden - Clean your garden at regular intervals by cutting overgrown plants, vegetables and leaves. Overgrown plants give a hidden place to spider wasps and increase their activity on your property. 
• Pack  Access Points - Check your home properly and pack all the small holes and gaps in walls, doors and windows. Packing these access points will help stop spider wasps from entering your home and making a nest.
• Lessen Outdoors Attractions - Spider wasps do not get attracted towards human food, but keeping the outdoor area clean will be helpful. Cover your garbage, dustbin bags and do not leave your food outside to reduce the chances of spider wasps near your home.
• Use Natural Barriers - Specific plants like mint, wormwood and citronella and others help in naturally repulsing the spider wasps from the property. Plant these plants around your property to naturally reduce the activity of spider wasps without using chemicals. Spider wasps hate peppermint oil. You can use it to keep them away from your property.
• Chemical Control - Using spider specific antibodies around the corners of your house and under the furniture can help restrict the activity and entry of spider wasps into your home.

Read more: How to Identify a Spider Nest in Your Home

Conclusion 

Spider wasps in Australia have a fierce personality and never think twice before using their venom against humans when they feel threatened. Meeting with them accidentally is painful and difficult if you are unprepared. Spider wasps are dangerous and it is important to clear your property before they cause any harm to you and your family. Understanding about Spider wasps and their prevention tips is good to protect yourself from their sting. If DIY tips do not work out, you should contact an experienced professional. 
 
Many experienced professionals, like NT Bug Busters in Australia, provide the best pest control services to help you remove insects, including spider wasps, from your home to make it safe and clean. We provide the fastest and safest pest control service in Australia. With our child friendly and pet friendly nature, we make our clients feel comfortable and relaxed during our process. NT Bug Busters uses advanced and eco friendly methods of treatments to make your house and business safe and healthy. We provide cost friendly services to our clients and take the best care of our clients’ needs. We provide all pest control services, including rats, ants and spider wasps. So, if you need pest control services, choosing NT Bug Busters is the smartest and budget friendly decision you will ever make. So book your next pest control services with us and save your time and money. Enjoy your summer with fresh lemon juice and let us deal with the spider wasps for you.

FAQS

Q. What is a spider wasp?
Spider wasps in Australia are unsettling and intense insects with long legs and sticky appearances. They can paralyse large spiders with their venom.

Q. Are Australian wasps poisonous?
They have the most painful sting, but they are less poisonous than other spider species.

Q. What time of day are wasps most active?
Midday because it is the hottest time of the day on the outside.

Q. What do wasps absolutely hate?
Peppermint spray

Q. What months are spider seasons in Australia?
Spider wasps are found from October to April.