Experts issue grim warning about spider Halloween decoration as it can be deadly

28 October 2023 , 10:15

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This Halloween decoration can be hazardous to wildlife. (Stock Photo) (Image: Getty Images)

It's officially spooky season, which means, if you're so inclined, that it's time to get into the spirit of things and start decorating your home for Halloween before the trick or treaters are ringing on your doorbell. There are pumpkins to be carved - or turnips if you're feeling traditional - whether you're partaking to make sure you keep any restless spirits wandering at bay, or just because it's a fun way to fill up your autumnal evenings.

Pumpkins aren't the only common decoration that has become synonymous with Halloween: fake spider webs are regularly seen adorning doorways, windows and other parts of our homes, but some experts have warned that these should actually be totally avoided because they can have some serious consequences.

As reported in Kidspot - an Australian publication - some warnings have been issued in the region of New South Wales over these seemingly harmless decorations. The fake spider webs you're using to add a spooky atmosphere to your Halloween party can actually be really damaging to wildlife, particularly birds and small animals.

When you use this decoration in outside areas is particularly problematic and bad for the environment - this is because the faux-cobwebs don't biodegrade so they linger for a long time, if the lightweight decorations blow away in the wind and rain, then they could end up anywhere, damaging the ecosystem and posing a threat to animals and birds.

Councils in Australia have reportedly made sure to issue warnings to locals not to include these decorations, which are so popular they have arguably become ubiquitous with Halloween. "Birds often use spider silk to build their nests and cannot tell the difference between real and fake webbing," said one of the warnings.

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"This can result in birds and their young becoming stuck in the webbing," the warning continued. "Bats, insects and other wildlife can also become stuck in this material." Ending up with trapped animals in the synthetic webs adorning your garden isn't what anyone is hoping for when they are decorating for Halloween, so it's best to avoid using this going forward.

Decorating the inside of your home may well be better if you are going to the faux-cobwebs, to give your property a spooky vibe, because you can at least control what happens to it, and there will be less risk to animals - however, a myriad of insects come inside at this time of year so they could still get trapped in the fake webs, so it's important to be careful.

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Emma Mackenzie