Insect Calendar

Use this interactive calendar below that will explain the life cycles of all insects listed and what is happening during each season. With product recommendations for the different time of the year. 

Select an insect

General Information About Spiders

Worldwide there are about 40,000 different species of spiders, New Zealand is home to about 2,500 different species. Most of the spiders in New Zealand are harmless to humans. 

Most spiders are nocturnal and only appear during the day if they have been disturbed in some way. Different species share different characteristics, habitat, and prey techniques.

crab spider

What to look for - Signs of a Spider Infestation

In general, spiders can be found in dark, secluded areas, both in your home and garden.

  • Look for spider webs - The size and shape of spider webs vary by species. Some are orb-shaped while others are funnel-shaped.
  • Some spider species live in burrows rather than webs, while others are free-ranging and take refuge in crevices.
  • Some species of spiders are attracted to moist environments. Check your basements, walls, sheds and other damp locations.
  • Other species can be found in places such as attics, the junction of a wall and ceiling, closets and storage boxes.
  • Spiders feed on other insects and prey on ants, flies, woodlice and other spiders, so where there is a plentiful supply of other insects, spiders will wait to find their next meal.
  • Spiders generally enter buildings through gaps in the construction like unscreened windows or spaces between doors and floors. Seal cracks and crevices around door frames, cupboards, pipes, tiles etc
  • Check pots and garden furniture before bringing them indoors.