Parasteatoda tepidariorum
Common House Spider Identification in Australia
Small dull brown comb-footed spider that builds tangled webs in quiet corners, sheds, bathrooms and other sheltered indoor places.
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 Common house spider
- Small dull brown or grey-brown spider
- Tangled web in a sheltered corner
- Often indoors, in sheds or around windows
- Can be confused with other comb-footed spiders
Danger level
Usually low risk
What to check next
Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking.
When to seek medical help
Bites are not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, spreading symptoms, allergic symptoms, infection signs or uncertainty.
Where the Common house spider is usually seen in Australia
Indoor corners, bathrooms, laundries, sheds, garages, window frames, outdoor furniture and other sheltered spaces around homes.
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.
- Brown house spider / cupboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking. For the other possibility, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.
- White porch spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking. For the other possibility, check: Check whether it was resting in a loose, visible web under an eave or porch, with very long front legs and a pale body. Compare carefully with redbacks and cupboard spiders if the web is messy.
- Redback spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar place. For this spider, check: Check for a messy corner web, small rounded abdomen and lack of a strong redback-style red stripe or hourglass marking. 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.
Brown house spider / cupboard spiderUsually low risksame region, similar size, similar colour
White porch 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 Common house 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.
Common questions
Common house spider FAQ
Is the Common house spider dangerous?
Danger level: Usually low risk. Bites are not usually considered dangerous. Seek medical advice for severe pain, spreading symptoms, allergic symptoms, infection signs or uncertainty.
How do I identify the Common house spider?
Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small dull brown or grey-brown spider; Tangled web in a sheltered corner; Often indoors, in sheds or around windows; Can be confused with other comb-footed spiders.
What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Common house 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 Common house spider usually found?
Indoor corners, bathrooms, laundries, sheds, garages, window frames, outdoor furniture and other sheltered spaces around homes.
What spiders look similar to the Common house 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 Common house spider by photo?
A photo can help if it shows the whole spider, markings, size and where it was found. For the Common house spider, also compare the checklist clues and what to check next rather than relying on colour alone.