Steatoda species
Identify Brown House Spiders in Australia
Small brown comb-footed spider in messy indoor webs, sometimes confused with redbacks or false widows.
First aid / what to do now
- Move away from the spider and avoid handling it.
- Wash the bite area with soap and water.
- Use a cold pack for pain or swelling.
- Call 13 11 26 or seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, spreading, infected-looking, allergic, or you are unsure what bit you.
This site cannot diagnose a bite. In an emergency call 000. For poisoning advice in Australia call 13 11 26.
How to identify the Brown house spider / cupboard spider
- Small brown rounded body
- Messy indoor web
- May have pale patterning
- Can be confused with redbacks without the clear red stripe
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.
When to seek medical help
Seek medical advice if pain is severe or symptoms spread beyond the bite site.
Where the Brown house spider / cupboard spider is usually seen in Australia
Cupboards, corners, sheds, garages and sheltered indoor spaces.
How it differs from lookalikes
These comparisons are clues, not a confirmed species ID. Use several features together: body shape, size, location, web type and behaviour.
- Common house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark. For the other possibility, check: Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking.
- Red house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark. For the other possibility, check: Check for a messy indoor web, reddish-brown body and lack of a clear redback marking. Compare with redbacks, cupboard spiders and common house spiders if unsure.
- Redback spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar place. For this spider, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark. For the other possibility, check: Look for a tangled web and red/orange abdominal marking. Avoid touching the web or spider.
Common comparisons
People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.
Compare this spider by state
Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.
Similar spiders to compare
Compare this spider with these likely lookalikes before settling on an identification.
Common house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Red house spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
Redback spiderMedically significantsame region, similar size, similar place
Daddy-long-legs spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colourNext useful checks
Still trying to identify this spider?
Use these quick paths if the Brown house spider / cupboard spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.
Reference notes
How this guide stays cautious
Spider Identifier Australia uses visible clues to suggest likely possibilities. It is not a medical diagnosis or a formal species determination.
- Australian Museum spider informationAustralian spider identification, biology and dangerous spider context.
- Australian Museum funnel-web spidersFunnel-web range, identification and bite-safety context.
- Poisons Information CentreCall 13 11 26 for poisons advice from anywhere in Australia.
- healthdirect spider bitesAustralian spider bite first aid, emergency signs and white-tail bite evidence.
- Australian Museum redback spiderRedback identification, web clues and Australian distribution.
- Australian Museum spiders in the house and gardenCommon Australian house and garden spider context.
Common questions
Brown house spider / cupboard spider FAQ
Is the Brown house spider / cupboard spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek medical advice if pain is severe or symptoms spread beyond the bite site.
How do I identify the Brown house spider / cupboard spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small brown rounded body; Messy indoor web; May have pale patterning; Can be confused with redbacks without the clear red stripe.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Brown house spider / cupboard spider?
Clean the area, use a cold pack for pain, and seek medical advice if pain is severe, symptoms spread, infection signs appear, or you are unsure what bit you.
Where is the Brown house spider / cupboard spider usually found?
Cupboards, corners, sheds, garages and sheltered indoor spaces.
What spiders look similar to the Brown house spider / cupboard spider?
Common lookalikes can overlap in colour, size, web type or habitat. Use the similar spiders and common comparisons on this page to check alternatives before settling on a match.
Can I identify the Brown house spider / cupboard spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Brown house spider / cupboard spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.