Huntsmen spiders are hairy with large, long legs and are notorious for making their way inside cars.
Although many species are found in cars in Australia, the huntsman tends to cause drivers to freak out while on the road.
If you spot a huntsman while driving:
- stay calm
- find somewhere to pull over
- open the doors and see if it escapes on its own
Where do huntsman spiders hide in a car?
The most common place a huntsman spider is found in cars is:
- Side mirrors: spiders may build webs or hide behind the casing.
- Visors: underside of sun visors, which are dark and often undisturbed.
- Glove compartment: spiders may crawl into this enclosed space seeking refuge.
- Door frames: they can hide in crevices along the edges of doors.
- Cup holders: especially if they’re rarely used and full of clutter.
Speaking to the ABC, Dr Owen Seeman, collection manager for Arachnida and Myriapoda at the Queensland Museum, says Hunstman spiders go into cars looking for shelter and warmth.
“If you go out in the bush and see a eucalyptus tree with great shoots of peeling bark, that is where they like to spend their day. It’s a nice sheltered space, it’s dry, and then at night, they come out,” says Dr Seeman.
“So if you look at the car, where do we find them? Under the visor, it’s almost like they’re [under] a piece of bark.”
Spiders don’t like vibration, so once you turn the car on, they scamper to find somewhere they feel safe, which is why you see them running across your dash while driving.
Signs you have a huntsman in your car
Signs you may have a huntsman spider in your car include:
- Visible webs or egg sacs: spiders often leave behind webs, especially in corners or around mirrors.
- Droppings: look for small, dark droppings on surfaces or windowsills.
- Shed exoskeletons: spiders moult as they grow, leaving behind their old exoskeletons, which can be found in hidden areas.
How spiders enter your car
Spiders can enter a car through various means. Thanks to a spider’s size and desire to find a warm resting spot, they can be hard to keep out of your car.
- Open windows or doors: spiders may crawl into a car when windows or doors are left open.
- Vents: spiders can find their way into a car through ventilation systems.
- Cracks and gaps: small openings in the car’s exterior, such as cracks in the bodywork or gaps around doors and windows, can provide entry points for spiders.
- Hitchhiking: spiders may inadvertently hitch a ride into a car on clothing, bags, or other items brought into the vehicle from outside.
- Infestations: if a car has been parked in an area with a high spider population, spiders may already be present and could enter the vehicle unnoticed.
How to get rid of spiders in the car
If you are driving and spot a spider scampering across your dashboard, the best thing to do is stay calm and remember they are terrified of you.
“It won’t jump on you and bite you or anything like that. It is simply trying to get away,” says Dr Seeman.
What to do if there’s a huntsman in your car: a step-by-step guide
- Stay calm: huntsman spiders are generally not aggressive and are more scared of you than you are of them.
- Pull your car over: find a safe spot to pull over your car and turn the engine off.
- Open the windows or doors: if possible, gently encourage the spider to leave by opening the windows or doors of your car. This provides an easy exit route for the spider.
- Use a soft brush or cloth: if the spider is reluctant to leave, you can gently encourage it to move by using a soft brush or cloth. Guide the spider onto the brush or cloth and then carefully release it outside the car.
- Avoid squishing: avoid squishing the spider, as this can create a mess and may unnecessarily harm it. Instead, focus on guiding it out of the car safely.
- Be patient: it may take some time for the spider to find its way out, so be patient and allow it to leave independently.
If you cannot find the spider, it will unlikely move again until it feels safe enough to do so.
How to get spiders out of car mirrors
If you notice cobwebs building up around your car mirrors, removing the webs and applying some essential oils is the best natural method for getting them to move on. Mint and chestnut oil may be effective in deterring spiders.
While it is tempting to spider-bomb your car, before doing so, remember that huntsman spiders eat other insects and spiders, so they can be pretty handy to have around.
How to keep spiders out of your car
- Regular cleaning: regularly vacuuming your car can remove webs, egg sacs, and spiders.
- Seal cracks and gaps: inspect your car for any openings where spiders could enter, such as cracks in the bodywork, gaps around doors and windows, and vents. Seal these gaps with caulk or weather stripping.
- Use spider repellents: consider using natural repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar spray around the perimeter of your car to deter spiders from entering.
- Park in well-lit areas: spiders are less likely to inhabit well-lit areas, so parking your car in a well-lit location can reduce the risk of infestation.
- Avoid clutter: keep your car’s interior tidy and clutter-free to minimize hiding spots for spiders.
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