Identify red house spiders in Australia by small reddish-brown body, messy indoor web, redback lookalike clues and low-risk bite context. Compare photos, danger level, first aid notes, web clues and what to check next before choosing a likely match.

Bitten or unwell? Call 000. Poisons advice: 13 11 26.

Photo credits

Tiago Lubiana CC0 · lovelymonlamin CC0 · gio CC BY-SA 4.0

Nesticodes rufipes

Red House Spider Identification in Australia

Small reddish-brown comb-footed spider found in messy indoor or sheltered webs, often confused with young redbacks or cupboard spiders.

Usually low riskReviewed and updated 2026-04-29

Use the spider identifier Check dangerous spiders

SizePea to 5c body

Colours / marksRed or orange marking, Brown, Orange, Patterned

Web clueMessy corner web

Usually foundIndoor corners, bathrooms, garages, sheds, verandas, window frames and sheltered building edges, especially in warmer urban and suburban areas.

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 Red house spider

Small reddish-brown cobweb spider
Messy web in indoor or sheltered corners
Rounded abdomen and fine legs
No strong redback stripe or hourglass mark

Danger level

Usually low risk

What to check next

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.

When to seek medical help

Bites are not usually considered dangerous, but seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.

Where the Red house spider is usually seen in Australia

Indoor corners, bathrooms, garages, sheds, verandas, window frames and sheltered building edges, especially in warmer urban and suburban areas.

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 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. 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.
Brown house spider / cupboard spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, 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. For the other possibility, check: Check for redback-like shape but absence of a strong red stripe or hourglass mark.
Ninja-star ceiling spiderMay overlap because of same region, similar size, similar colour. For this spider, 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. For the other possibility, check: Look for the star-like egg sacs and ceiling or wall-corner web. Compare with daddy long-legs, common house spiders and small cupboard spiders.

Common comparisons

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

Red house spider vs Common house spidersame region, similar size Red house spider vs Brown house spider / cupboard spidersame region, similar size Red house spider vs Ninja-star ceiling spidersame region, similar size Red house spider vs Redback 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 WAWestern Australia SASouth Australia NTNorthern Territory ACTAustralian Capital Territory

Next useful checks

Still trying to identify this spider?

Use these quick paths if the Red 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 Red house spider Identify Red house spider by picture clues Red house spider bite first aid and warning signs Compare Australian spider photos Identify Red house spider in NSW Identify Red house spider in QLD Identify Red 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

Red house spider FAQ

Is the Red house spider dangerous?

Danger level: Usually low risk. Bites are not usually considered dangerous, but seek medical advice for severe pain, allergic symptoms, infection signs, spreading symptoms or uncertainty after any bite.

How do I identify the Red house spider?

Check the visible body shape, size, colour, markings, location and web or hiding place. Key clues include: Small reddish-brown cobweb spider; Messy web in indoor or sheltered corners; Rounded abdomen and fine legs; No strong redback stripe or hourglass mark.

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