An expert has warned venomous spiders are becoming common in Ireland and they’re something we will have to “live with”.
Dr Geoff Oxford, secretary of the British Arachnological Society, said many of the creatures in our homes this time of year may be venomous.
He said: “About a dozen or so (out of our 670 species) have jaws powerful enough to break human skin and, potentially, inject venom.
“The spider that has hit the headlines in recent years is the Noble False Widow Spider, which is spreading rapidly across the country.
“A bite from this spider can elicit a painful reaction and in rare case cause more severe medical conditions.
“This spider is now here to stay and we have to live with it.”
Despite the Noble False Widow becoming more common across the UK and Ireland, they are similar to common house spiders.
Dr Oxford added: “Up until now males and females will have grown up in their own webs hidden under furniture, behind cupboards etc. Once mature one or other sex has to move to find a partner.
“This is why they are seen crossing floors and climbing walls.
“There is absolutely no evidence they come in from outside.
“They live outside perfectly happily and there are plenty of partners there too.”
