Spider bites from the noble false widow can put you in hospital, a new study has shown.
Over the past 10 years, false widow spiders have set up camp in Irish homes and sheds throughout the country.
A study from NUIG shows that bites from the noble false widow can lead to similar symptoms as the true black widow spider and hospitalisation for severe cases.
Where did they come from?
The noble false widow originated in the Canary Islands and Madeira, and in the years since has gone on to become one of the most invasive species of spider.
The first reported sighting in Ireland happened in Bray in the 90s. In the two decades since, it has become widespread in Ireland, the UK and continental Europe.
False widows have made urban areas their home as well as sheds, walls, under rocks and the bark of trees.
Are they dangerous?
Symptoms can be both local and systemic and range from mild pain to debilitating. Some victims experience severe swelling on the bite, low or high blood pressure, nausea and even impaired mobility.
Others have developed wounds around the bite mark as well as bacterial infections.
They have a venomous bite but it is not a lethal bite.
So what has led to this explosion in their population?
Scientists have said climate change is not the reason and instead believe a genetic mutation within the false widow species has made it easier for them to survive and thrive.
The globalised nature of the word has also contributed to the spread of false widows with them hitching rides on crates destined for European countries.
Michel Dugon, the senior author of the study and head of the Venom Systems Lab at NUI Galway said: "In addition to their medically significant venom, noble false widows [steatoda nobilis] are extremely adaptable and competitive in the wild."
The study revealed that the vast majority of bites (88%) happened when the victim was asleep or when the spider was trapped in clothes.
