Identify grey house spiders by grey-brown body, messy wall webs and common Australian house habitat. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000 for severe symptoms. For poison advice in Australia call 13 11 26.

Photo credits

Don Horne CC BY 4.0 · Thérèse Oliver, MAF CC BY 3.0 au · Don Horne CC BY 4.0 · Don Horne CC BY 4.0

Badumna longinqua

Grey House Spider Identification in Australia

Grey to brown house spider in messy retreat webs around windows, fences, walls and bark.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

Size5c to 20c body

Colours / marksGrey, Brown, Patterned

Web clueMessy lace web

Usually foundWindows, walls, fences, bark, sheds and house exteriors.

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 Grey house spider

Grey to brown body
Messy retreat web
Often around windows and walls
Similar to black house spider but paler

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

Check the web location and whether the spider stays in a permanent retreat rather than roaming.

When to seek medical help

Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or uncertainty.

Where the Grey house spider is usually seen in Australia

Windows, walls, fences, bark, sheds and house exteriors.

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.

Black house spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web location and whether the spider stays in a permanent retreat rather than roaming. For the other possibility, check: Check if it sits in a permanent messy wall or window web rather than roaming from a burrow.
Tube-dwelling spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web location and whether the spider stays in a permanent retreat rather than roaming. For the other possibility, check: Look for a tube-like retreat with signal threads rather than a broad orb web or open burrow.
Brown house spider / cupboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, check: Check the web location and whether the spider stays in a permanent retreat rather than roaming. For the other possibility, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.

Common comparisons

People often compare this spider with similar Australian spiders. These quick links help you check the closest alternatives.

Grey house spider vs Black house spidersame region, similar size Grey house spider vs Tube-dwelling spidersame region, similar size Grey house spider vs Brown house spider / cupboard spidersame region, similar size Grey house spider vs Daddy-long-legs spidersame region, similar size

Compare this spider by state

Use the state guides to compare this spider with other local possibilities.

NSWNew South Wales QLDQueensland VICVictoria TASTasmania WAWestern Australia SASouth Australia NTNorthern Territory ACTAustralian Capital Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Grey house spider is only one possible match. They help compare photo clues, local spider pages, bite guidance and similar Australian spiders.

Use the spider identifier for a possible Grey house spider Identify Grey house spider by picture clues Grey house spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Grey house spider in NSW Identify Grey house spider in QLD Identify Grey house spider in VIC

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

Grey house spider FAQ

Is the Grey house spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Seek advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms or uncertainty.

How do I identify the Grey house spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Grey to brown body; Messy retreat web; Often around windows and walls; Similar to black house spider but paler.

What should I do if I think I was bitten by a Grey 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 Grey house spider usually found?