Redback Spider Found in My Backyard. Is It a Strata Issue or I Have to Deal with It Myself?

bigeater on 03/07/2017 - 09:05
Last edited 03/07/2017 - 21:39 by 1 other user

I live in a strata-managed village with townhouses and apartments. Recently I've found redback spiders in my back yard. My back yard has no plants and fully covered with tiles. Outside my backyard there are trees which were planted and taken care of by strata. I sprayed the whole backyard with a few cans of Mortein but it's only a temporary solution. The redbacks gonna be a potential hazard.

Should I report the issue to my strata and let them deal with it? Or I would have to pay myself for the pest control?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

Home & Garden

Comments

  • cupcake on 03/07/2017 - 10:47

    I found a redback spider in my courtyard too. So I sprayed the entire courtyard with some outdoor spray from Woolies after I cut the tree down and blasted all the pavers with a pressure cleaner. Got rid of it lol

  • dcep on 03/07/2017 - 11:15
    +7

    I WOULD LIKE TO PUT THIS IDEA IN YOUR HEAD, JUST LIKE INCEPTION.

    SPIDERS LOVE TO HIDE IN YOUR SHOES TO KEEP WARM IN WINTER.

    SO NOW START IMAGINING SPIDERS EVERY TIME YOU PUT YOUR SHOES ON.

    HAHAHAHAHAHAH !!!!

    GOOD LUCK NOT BEING PARANOID FROM NOW ON EVERY TIME YOU WEAR SHOES.

    • bobbified on 03/07/2017 - 11:21

      SPIDERS LOVE TO HIDE IN YOUR SHOES TO KEEP WARM IN WINTER.

      haha that's so evil! :P

      That's actually one of my worst fears! Putting my foot in a shoe one day to the feeling of something crawling followed by a painful bite! haha

      • bigeater on 03/07/2017 - 11:24
        +1

        lucky I keep my shoes indoor. :D

        • Caped Baldy on 03/07/2017 - 14:47
          +5

          Some species such as huntsmans like holes(such as shoes) so if you haven't worn them for a while, bang them against each other.

        • telljoolz on 04/07/2017 - 14:26
          +2

          check under the wheely bin handles

        • Symbiotic on 05/07/2017 - 05:57

          @telljoolz: And on the light switches in pitch dark rooms. They're everywhere. Waiting to jump at you.

      • AdosHouse on 03/07/2017 - 11:49
        +1

        Not a redback, but as a kid I was about to put a shoe on, and a giant huntsman ran out. Scared the absolute shit out of me, and I've checked my shoes ever since.

        • Halsmich on 03/07/2017 - 13:59
          +1

          Reminds me a few years back, some rat was in my dad's boot and he unknowingly squished it to death when he put it on.

        • lainey13 on 03/07/2017 - 20:55
          +3

          Once I went into the garden shed and a huntsman jumped on my back, causing me to run screaming out, requiring rescue from my mum.

          I don't enter sheds any more.

        • D C on 03/07/2017 - 22:34
          +2

          @lainey13: And from that day forth he was known as Arthur 'No Sheds' Jackson.

      • furys12 on 04/07/2017 - 09:17
        +2

        this was a legitimate thing we were taught about in my more country based primary school, always check your clothes

    • xylarr on 04/07/2017 - 09:13
      +2

      This happened to me. Luckily I had socks on. I felt something in the toe of my shoe as I put it on. I immediately thought it could be nasty so I jammed my toes into the end of the shoe to crush it. I took off my shoe and out fell a rather sad and damaged huntsman.
      The next day, I kid you not, same thing happened - the other shoe.
      Usually my response to huntsmen is to wet them thoroughly with Mortein. Even then, they take too long to die.

      • DarwinBoy on 04/07/2017 - 22:44

        Small plastic container and a laminated sheet of paper makes trapping/removal easy. I have tried picking them up but they crawl around so much and dont sit still as you move to the door.

    • [Deactivated] on 05/07/2017 - 11:53

      I once had a huge roach inside my shoe. After walking for about a kilometer, the bottom of my foot was tickling like crazy! I freaked out and a huge American roach jumped out. Beware! They tickle a lot.

  • bigeater on 03/07/2017 - 11:28
    +16

    Problem solved!

    Rang strata in the morning, they can give me some chemical so I can spray in my backyard to keep the redbacks away. And apparently they have landscaping contractors to do a periodically service including pest control.

    Thanks for all the kind advices and some interesting comments to enlighten my post.

    • Karlos101 on 03/07/2017 - 17:16
      +4

      if you have children who play out there think twice about the chemicals you spray about. or at least google the health effects of said ingredients.

      if you really want to get rid of them, nothing a long stick or shoes cant fix.

      • EnALup on 04/07/2017 - 11:42

        These chemicals are used in schools and child cares where your kids spend most of their time and are not that harsh. Not sure about long term affects on human or kids.

        There is no point of not using them at home. We had few red backs and we got our termite inspection guys do the spray and we don't see spiders anymore.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/07/2017 - 12:21

    Wow…

  • alabatusa on 03/07/2017 - 12:36
    +4

    Buy a one way ticket out of Australia… to Tasmania or New Zealand.

    • CookieJacker31 on 03/07/2017 - 12:49
      +1

      I don't know about that, NZ has a particularly vicious cricket like bug that can give you a nip.

      • stumo on 03/07/2017 - 18:36

        Yeah the giant NZ Weta. Scary looking things. They also have the Katapo spider, which is basically a redback. But it only lives in sand dunes I think.

      • Symbiotic on 05/07/2017 - 06:00
        +1

        I'd take a few redbacks in the back garden not bothering anyone over sandflies any day of the week!

        • Ayedeevee on 06/07/2017 - 09:16

          IMO sandflies are the most underrated of Australia's horrible creatures. Most of our land-based nasties will put you in hospital for a night, maybe a week if you're unlucky. Sandfly bites will make your life hell for over a month!

    • bigeater on 03/07/2017 - 13:05
      +2

      I heard there are some scary monsters in Tas called Tassie Devils. I won't risk it ;)

      • redraoh on 03/07/2017 - 21:22
        +1

        And bumblebees.

        • DisneyPrincess on 03/07/2017 - 23:08
          +1

          This is actually true!! I've lived in Australia my entire life, had no idea that Tasmania had giant bumble bees until I got attacked by one in Hobart. I have no idea what artists make them look cute cuz those things are definitely terrifying!!

        • furys12 on 04/07/2017 - 09:20
          +1

          @DisneyPrincess: you got super unlucky if you actually got attacked, unless you go after their nest they are usually super docile, most people dont even know they have stingers, the wasp kind too

        • Ayedeevee on 12/07/2017 - 13:18
          +1

          @DisneyPrincess:

          https://tinyurl.com/yb6cat7k

          Found a picture of one.

    • decr on 03/07/2017 - 17:43

      Heh, interestingly the biggest redback I've seen so far was in Tassie. In my garage actually. I was having a chat with a mate when this heuuuge redback (well they're not that big as spiders go, but for redbacks) descended in stealth mode a metre or so away from us. Whacked it with a piece of timber, made a satisfying pop sound but the bugger was still going afterwards, until it got the boot.

  • The Wololo Wombat on 03/07/2017 - 12:59
    +2

    Only one way to solve this…

    "Tactical Nuke, Incoming!"

  • Munki on 03/07/2017 - 13:32

    A redback? You must be a foreigner…

  • MrFrugalSpend on 03/07/2017 - 13:50
    +15

    Hahahahaha this post is funny. No offence OP, sorry, it just amuses me so much to hear how concerned someone can be about a redback spider.

    Its a native creature outside in the wild, its hardly a problem. In my area you get them in the shed/garage all the time. If you see one on your stuff (e.g. outdoor furniture, pots etc), whack it with a shoe - that's about it. Then take the shoes inside, worst thing is leaving shoes / thongs outside, that's where they will bite you when you stick your foot in.

    Personally I'd think the chemicals of regular pest control are more hazardous to your health than the redbacks.

  • Squidmcsproggen on 03/07/2017 - 13:58
    +1

    deadly redback spider
    bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah
    crap i need to go pee

    • Scrooge McDuck on 03/07/2017 - 15:15

      i need to go pee

      Too late?

    • Euphemistic on 04/07/2017 - 15:24
      +1

      Make sure you check under the seat before you use the dunny.

  • Misgolas on 03/07/2017 - 14:06
    +4

    ANY OF YOU SHOULD ASK YOURSELF THIS "IF I WANTED TO FIND A REDBACK RIGHT NOW, COULD I? DO I HAVE REDBACKS AVAILABLE IN A PLACE I CAN FIND THEM?" When somebody says they "have redbacks" all i hear is a cash register sound in my head. The pet tarantula and invertebrates community in Australia is huge and have public facebook groups dedicated to the buy/sell/swap of tarantulas/invertebrates. Seeing as normal people immediately kill on sight redbacks/funnelwebs/mouse spiders they are often the most sought after are they sell for roughly $30 each and usually quite quickly. Also the redback is the least dangerous as nobody has died from a bite since the 1950's because it takes 3 days on average for you to die, more than enough time for anti venom. The only reason people got bitten in those days was because metal toilet bowls were more common. You literally found a commodity and you could profit from them. ~S

    • joelmuzz on 05/07/2017 - 16:25

      Is it legal to sell and post native insects without special permits?

      I kind of doubt anyone will pay $30 for stupid common redbacks, but if they do and its legal my shed tool collection can become self funding if I stop the chemical nukings.
      An funnelweb with a 1cm+ round butt, yeah thats collectable pokemon status and a good find. But redbacks can be farmed too easy I think.

      • Misgolas on 08/07/2017 - 02:16

        commercial licenses to sell insects are usually for actual sellers with websites that are basically businesses that sell in large volumes which i think is beyond 300 units or something also depends on the state laws etc. Just today i saw somebody selling funnel webs on trading posts but redbacks are more popular because they're not nearly as dangerous. Really takes somebody with confidence and some experience to keep something that can kill you. Larger spiders are easier to sell for a variety of reasons. huntsmans are very popular too. The expectation is that the spider has all its legs, so if you see something out in the shed or on the wall that is missing legs or has disease on its face its basically worthless. Wolf spiders are great pets to start out with. Currently have a Phlogious tarantula shes 8yrs old this year.

  • packeteer on 03/07/2017 - 14:33
    +1

    hahaha, what a soft cnut :P

    ps. we've got hundreds in my yard, I just let the bandicoots take care of it. but then we get ticks. fsckit, I'm staying inside

  • Munki on 03/07/2017 - 14:42
    +3

    I don't understand killing spiders if they're not actually imposing on your things - i.e. in/on your furniture, shoes, etc. They're actually quite beneficial.

    • D C on 03/07/2017 - 22:41
      +2

      Redbacks are good at taking out cockroaches.

      'Daddy long legs' spiders are good at taking out redbacks along with house spiders.

      Don't worry, it's winter so all the gorillas will be dead soon.

  • JimmyF on 03/07/2017 - 14:55

    Recently I've found redback spiders in my back yard

    OMG lives in Australia and find redback spiders!?

    Should I report the issue to my strata

    Seriosuly, why is it there issue? Do you call them if you find a spider inside the unit? No.

    Its your issue. Go buy some spray from bunnings, spray the fences etc. Job done. and yes you have to pay for this. No one else.

  • Psy1 on 03/07/2017 - 15:17
    +4

    Empty toilet roll found in bathroom.. Do I throw it out myself, or call mummy to come around and safely dispose of it for me? - Shakes fist at heavens with teary eyes

    • cupcake on 03/07/2017 - 16:05
      +1

      Contact Strata management if you are the OP.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 03/07/2017 - 16:13

      Do I throw it out myself, or call mummy to come around and safely dispose of it for me?

      ⚠ Do you have paper cut insurance?

  • lonewolf on 03/07/2017 - 15:43
    +1

    Just transplant them somewhere else? I have redbacks in my front and backyard. I just transplant them if they come inside and put them back in the gardens. They arent aggressive so as long as you are calm, they really wont do anything.

  • Kamsi on 03/07/2017 - 17:16

    Got bitten by a spider and is not nice.

  • ravonda on 03/07/2017 - 17:16
    +2

    Pee on them to show dominance!!!

  • Wiede on 03/07/2017 - 17:32
    +14

    People like to joke around but this is a deadly serious issue. Redback spiders can attract dropbears which are much more dangerous than redbacks or white tails. OP you better cut down that tree

  • Plug on 03/07/2017 - 17:43

    Get a sprayer and a bottle of this https://www.bunnings.com.au/david-grays-500ml-ant-and-termit… and nuke them once and for all. This stuff kills anything with more than 4 legs.

  • PVA on 03/07/2017 - 17:48

    It is your responsibility. Call a pest crowd and get the place sprayed.

  • Sterio on 03/07/2017 - 18:01
    +5

    Welcome to Australia.

    I would quickly pop down to Bunnings and buy a bag of cement. Once home, grab a spoon, take one heaped spoon of the cement, place in mouth, swallow with a glass of water.

    Problem now solved.

    • mangoss on 04/07/2017 - 22:56

      Gold

  • try2bhelpful on 03/07/2017 - 18:39
    +2

    I'm aracnophobic but they have to be a decent size and hairiness before I can't deal with them. Redbacks fall below the threshold.

  • Lucky13 on 03/07/2017 - 19:17
    +1

    Redbacks love hiding under things like rocks etc, so they're probably living under the tiles.

    • redraoh on 03/07/2017 - 21:18
      +1

      Or under his pillow.

  • gregsurname on 03/07/2017 - 19:34
    +2

    Redbacks are of no threat to you at all. They dont leave their webs, so unless you go sticking your naked fingers up their arse you are safe.

    Secondly, redbacks do not live in trees and are not attracted by trees. They live under rocks and logs, and in urban areas under houses and in sheds.

  • Godric on 03/07/2017 - 21:00
    +2

    Speaking of redbacks, anyone seen Leokims videos on YouTube?

    He has a tank full of redbacks which he has in his garage and records their movements, interesting stuff.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NQ7c-iiyyU

  • gimme on 03/07/2017 - 21:37
    +1

    Strangely this doesn't even come close to the most inane question on ozb. Can't really judge a genuine phobia

  • TRANCE on 03/07/2017 - 23:21
    +2

    I have at least 4 red backs living in my garage, that I know of. I leave them alone and they leave me alone, pretty sure they are more afraid of me than me them as they bolt to their hideouts as soon as I open the door, I only ever catch glimpses of them!

  • marquise on 04/07/2017 - 00:12

    Lucky you don't have a dingo problem!

    • OzzyOzbourne on 04/07/2017 - 10:25

      I'd be mote worried about the sharks, if the crocs hadn't eaten them all!

  • TurkishDelight on 04/07/2017 - 01:04

    A few years back we (my family) found one in our backyard, my brother packed it in a glass jar and didn't remember what he did with it. I would ask him but only if he was alive (pun intended).

  • Blackpuddytat on 04/07/2017 - 08:05
    +3

    Before the issue gets way out of hand and you involve the strata manager, have you actually sat down and talked to the spiders?

    They may be more afraid of you, especially if you bring a shoe to the meeting.

  • Dazza610 on 04/07/2017 - 08:25
    +3

    I'm probably going to scare the shit out of you NOW.
    Here's a heads up…
    The spider population in YOUR backyard is more than likely in the 10000's…

    You only see the few that venture out to bring a meal back to their babies. 1000's of 'em.

    I found nests (the hard way) on the back of one of those "Green Resin" garden chairs. I say the hard way, by flopping into it after doing the mowing.

    Long story, short. Was bitten by 3 (one per nest… 3 slats on the back of the chair).
    At the time we had some LARGE Mossie's around, so didn't think anything about it.
    Until later, (6 hrs) I started getting dizzy and seeing was a bit fuzzy.
    Up to the hospital, they looked and said spider bites. Don't worry if you were going to die you would have, already.

    The funny thing is we have a mixture of Green & White garden furniture.
    Redbacks all over (under) the Green one's, But none under the White. They like the green because it camouflaged them better… Who'd figure?

    • itstuan on 04/07/2017 - 14:56
      +8

      Did you have any super power after that?

      • Dazza610 on 06/07/2017 - 11:28

        Yeah…
        The ability to tell the difference between white and green.
        Fu(k green…

  • OzzyOzbourne on 04/07/2017 - 10:23

    Nukes!

  • prinsenhof on 04/07/2017 - 11:04
    +1

    Strata will spray the common property areas and garage for some reason, usually once a year. Everything else is up to the owner.

    You'll never get rid of redbacks, bit pointless spraying. Just clean them up with your thong and never kill the daddy long leg spiders, they usually keep the redbacks under control.

  • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2017 - 11:13

    Your house is full of spiders. Redbacks are gonna live somewhere

  • snook on 04/07/2017 - 13:03

    Lol princess

  • airzone on 04/07/2017 - 13:08
    +4

    It's only red because it's angry. Play some smooth jazz to it and it'll calm down and return to its safe state.

  • Joejoeinc on 04/07/2017 - 13:10

    It's Australia, Everyone has to deal with Redbacks.. just don't go touching them you'll be fine.

  • Blackadda on 04/07/2017 - 14:45

    Call the body corp? Why not just call the cops… or even better the Army.!

  • itstuan on 04/07/2017 - 14:49
    +2

    If you killed that spider, make sure you burn its body and dispose elsewhere. Otherwise, its cousins will look for you, they will find you, and they will bite you.

  • valour on 04/07/2017 - 17:26

    Look for their webs. You can tell their webs easily by running your fingers through them. They are particularly sticky and very strong so it takes a bit to break them.Once you have found the web, you will find the redbacks nearby. Quite often you will also find a ball filled with babies, especially near Spring. A fly swatter, thong or paper rolled up deals with them, but you will have more insects.

  • slipperyslippers on 04/07/2017 - 20:09

    geez, good thing you're not living in Perth. Doubt you'd survive the night !

  • [Deactivated] on 04/07/2017 - 20:42
    +1

    Are you American?

  • BartholemewH on 04/07/2017 - 21:28

    According to Wikipedia, redback spiders are colonising various countries due to international shipping. I'd prob move directly to Greenland OP.

  • CalmLemons on 04/07/2017 - 22:23
    +1

    Be a man. Leave it alone or step on it.

  • PaulieDx02 on 05/07/2017 - 11:41
    +1

    Have you tried evacuation and then call the SES. Failing that maybe contact the RAAF and have them fly a Super Hornet over to bomb the place.

  • joelmuzz on 05/07/2017 - 16:15

    A woman in our complex wanted the strata to poison the dangerous bees which were infesting her flowers.
    This was not a swarm situation or anything, just bees in flowers.

    Sadly Im sure she took matters into her own hands after the refusal and uses supermarket surface spray on the garden, which is why essential bees are being wiped out.

  • clement1986 on 05/07/2017 - 20:35

    Capture the spider and sell it on ebay….

  • LustStarrr on 06/07/2017 - 00:55

    If you've got any outdoor furniture in that courtyard of yours, I'd be checking for them underneath that stuff too for them - redbacks love living underneath stuff like that! And regardless of outcome, whether you handle it yourself or the strata is responsible, it's probably a good idea to let your neighbours in the complex know about it too, to make sure they know to keep an eye out in their courtyards.

  • crentist on 06/07/2017 - 03:09

    once when i was a kid i turned on a tap to get a drink of water and a spider that crawled into the tap was blasted out fangs first into my hand

    just rubbed some antiseptic on it and watched to make sure it didnt fall off

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