For nearly two months, Australia resident Michelle Banditt has been living with an unexpected roommate: a giant huntsman spider who simply decided her sunroom was the perfect place to move in.
Banditt, who admits she’s “terrified” of large spiders, discovered him one evening clinging to the wall. “I was in horror when I first saw him,” she said. “Photos don’t do his size justice!”
Faced with the choice to remove him or worse, Banditt surprised even herself — she let him stay.
An Unlikely Arrangement
The spider spends his days tucked away in a hiding spot behind the sunroom clock, only emerging at night to perch on a familiar section of brick wall.
Banditt says that routine helps her nerves. “The fact that I know where he is at most times is great. We have an understanding,” she explained.
Though she admits she still feels “anxiety-filled” at the thought of stumbling across him unexpectedly, the huntsman has been a respectful houseguest, sticking to his nightly routine and keeping his distance.
“As long as this verbal agreement is kept, we can live harmoniously,” Banditt joked.
Helpful, Not Harmful
Despite their imposing size and speed, huntsman spiders are harmless to humans — and often helpful, keeping insects and pests under control. It’s something Banditt repeats to herself whenever her nerves spike: “I know they are not out to hurt anyone.”
Over time, her uneasy tolerance has shifted into something closer to acceptance. What began as a source of fear has become a lesson in coexistence — proof that sometimes, even the scariest houseguests can turn into unlikely companions.
