Retailers urged to remove seasonal items ‘hazardous’ to wildlife

Halloween is a time for spooky fun, creative costumes, and a bit of harmless mischief.

But as the popularity of this once-niche celebration explodes across Australia, a new and unexpected threat is lurking in our front yards—and it’s not the ghouls or goblins.

It’s the humble plastic spider web, a seasonal decoration that’s become a surprising hazard for our native wildlife.

Plastic webs: A tangled threat to Australian birds

Birdlife Australia, the nation’s leading bird conservation group, has sounded the alarm about the growing use of fake plastic cobwebs.

While these decorations might look festive draped over fences and trees, they’re causing real problems for our feathered friends.

Small birds, already struggling with declining numbers in our suburbs, are at risk of becoming entangled in these synthetic strands.

Sean Dooley, Birdlife Australia’s spokesperson, warns that while reports of bird entanglement are still relatively rare, the sheer increase in plastic web use each October is a worrying trend.

'We just don’t want something that’s easily avoidable to add to the burden of our small garden birds,' he says.

The concern is that as more Australians embrace Halloween, the risk to wildlife will only grow.

Supermarkets under scrutiny

Major retailers like Coles, Woolworths, BIG W, and Kmart are at the centre of this issue.

All stock various types of plastic spider webs, some for as little as $1.40.

While these products are marketed as durable and reusable, their resilience is part of the problem—they don’t break down easily and can linger in the environment long after the last trick-or-treater has gone home.

In response to concerns, Coles has said it will 'consider' more sustainable options for seasonal decorations, and Woolworths has updated its packaging to urge customers to use the webs indoors only.

Kmart, too, points to fine print on its packaging advising against outdoor use.

Fake cobwebs are turning trees into traps for suburban birds. Image Source: Beekeepx / Shutterstock

But a stroll through any Australian suburb in late October reveals that many people are still hanging these webs outside, regardless of the warnings.

Why are plastic webs so dangerous?

The danger isn’t just theoretical.

In the past year, wildlife rescue organisation WIRES dealt with multiple cases of birds, such as yellow-throated honeyeaters and magpies, becoming entangled in Halloween decorations.

The risk is especially high when webs are hung in trees or near nesting sites.

The strands can entangle chicks’ legs and wings, or be swallowed, causing serious injury or even death.

Dooley shares a sobering story: 'There was a noisy miner nest outside my kids’ primary school, and every day I was showing all the kids the progress of the chicks because you could see them from the footpath.'

‘Then we arrived one day, and this poor noisy miner chick was dead, dangling from the nest because it had become entangled in nylon thread. It was gruesome.'

A call for change—and creative solutions

So, what’s the alternative?

Birdlife Australia suggests retailers could stock wool-based decorations instead.

Not only would this support Australian farmers, but wool is biodegradable and can even be used by birds as nesting material.

It’s a win-win for the environment and our rural communities.

Some social media users have gone further, calling for an outright ban on plastic spider webs or even public shaming of those who use them outdoors.

While that might be a step too far for some, it’s clear that a rethink is needed.

The bigger picture: Retailers and environmental responsibility

This isn’t the first time Australia’s big retailers have come under fire for selling products that harm wildlife.

Birdlife Australia is also campaigning for the removal of second-generation rat baits, which have been linked to the deaths of owls and endangered mammals.

The sourcing of farmed salmon and beef has also drawn criticism, with concerns about pollution and deforestation.

Plastic spider webs sold by major retailers are posing hidden dangers to nesting birds. Image Source: Kmart

Yet, there are signs of progress. Coles has committed to sourcing only deforestation-free beef for its own-brand range, and both Coles and Woolworths have made strides in reducing single-use plastics and improving recycling options after the collapse of the REDcycle scheme.

Bunnings, too, recently removed glue traps from its shelves after advocacy from wildlife groups.

What can you do?

If you love decorating for Halloween, there are plenty of ways to get into the spirit without putting wildlife at risk.

Consider using natural materials like wool, paper, or even recycled fabric for your spooky displays.

And if you do use plastic decorations, keep them indoors and make sure they’re securely fastened so they can’t blow away.

Most importantly, let your local supermarket know that you care about these issues.

Retailers listen to customer feedback, and your voice can help drive change.