False widow spiders and what to do when they bite

A black widow (steatoda nobilis) spider Credit: André Karwath aka Aka

False widow spiders have been in the UK since the 1870s but have "rapidly spread" throughout the south of England in recent years.

They are one of only around a dozen spiders in the UK capable of biting humans, but are not aggressive and will only bite if they are prodded or squashed, or trapped in clothing.

Despite several dramatic cases recently, the bites are not life threatening and most people will not have a bad reaction.

The name 'false widow' immediately provokes fear, even though false widows are "nothing like as dangerous as black widows," according to Lawrence Bee of the British Arachnological Society.

BITES

  • Will usually only attack when their web is disturbed or they feel threatened

  • Bite itself is not normally felt but is followed by "varying levels of burning, discomfort or numbness and associated swelling in the area surrounding the bite"

  • As with a bee or wasp sting, the seriousness depends on the individual's reaction to the bite

  • If you suspect an allergic reaction, or symptoms are more serious, you should seek medical attention

  • Symptoms usually disappear within one to three days

NUMBERS RISING

  • First sighting was in the 1870s in the South West

  • Believed to have been introduced in fruit crates imported from the Canary Islands

  • Frequency of sightings has been increasing since the 1990s

  • Now "well distributed" in the southern half of England

  • Likely that this rapid spread is "at least partly a response to a changing climate"

Read: Postman refuses to deliver letter over 'massive' spider

APPEARANCE

  • False widows have a large body ranging from 7mm to 14mm

  • Body has a dark brown, glossy appearance with a distinctive white pattern on top

  • They like dry, undisturbed environments like sheds and outbuildings

  • Active at night and normally hidden during the day

  • If you find one, there are likely to be more living in the same place

Read: Mother finds false widow spider in bed

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND ONE

  • The best thing to do is to leave it alone. They pose no threat if undisturbed.

  • If you do want to move it, use a cup and piece of card to catch it and move it away from your home

  • Try to avoid touching them

Sources: Natural History Museum, British Arachnological Society

Read more about false widow spiders on the Natural History Museum website