Do funnel web spiders hide under gravel?

gene

Hi im wondering if funnel web spiders like to hide under gravel? Do gravel patios attract either funnel webs or red backs? Its not a very sunny area i was going to put the gravel.I was going to make a rock border but now since I saw what looked like a funnel web, instead ill use the edging bunnings sell. 

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @gene. It's wonderful to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about funnel web spiders.

Funnel webs typically prefer to build their tubular webs in moist soil or leaf litter, so I find it unlikely that adding gravel would encourage them; if anything, it would be more of a deterrent. Redbacks prefer dark and dry spaces and are not often associated with gravelled areas. 

I'd encourage you to minimise the spiders in your outdoor area by maintaining a clutter-free space and using a pesticide if necessary.

If it makes you feel any better, there hasn't been a death attributed to a funnel web spider since the introduction of an anti-venom in 1981, and the redback anti-venom has been successfully employed since the early 1950s.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell