Why you shouldn't spray spiders in your backyard
While the Australian summer months bring out many species of venomous spiders in search of a mate, experts are advising against spraying insecticide to keep them at bay.
Owner of Sydney's Best Pest Control Sam Yehia said many people will call fumigators after seeing a redback or funnel-web spider on their property.
But he said customers are often given the wrong information and insecticide does not completely exterminate the spiders.
"Some technicians turn up to [a customer's] door and don't explain to the customer what they are going to do... and afterwards the expectations," Mr Yehia told WA Today.
"It's pest control, not pest eradication."
Cockroaches and house spiders are the most common to return after fumigation and experts said the "hardiest" spiders can return after fumigation.
Macquarie University post-doctoral researcher Lizzie Lowe said leaving some insects alive in the backyard can be beneficial.
She said spraying gardens with broad spectrum insecticide destroys the eco-system.
"People may want to eradicate everything in the backyard, but you shouldn't actually want every insect in your garden dead," she told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"You want to have the good guys to help control the bad guys.
"So you don't have these massive outbreaks of creatures."
Pit bulls 'neglected' before they mauled, ate then 'guarded' owner's body
Locals slammed for putting spikes in trees to stop birds pooing on their luxury cars
Mr Yehia said the best way to prevent spiders near the house was to clear the gutters and get rid of any fluorescent lights that could attract flying insects such as moths.
He also suggested putting outdoor toys and tools in a bucket of water to stop red backs hiding inside.
