The UK's only venomous spider is set to surge in numbers as the warm weather approaches.
Experts are warning that the false widow spiders are starting to multiply as their hibernation season ends and the warmer months begin. They are closely related to the deadly black widow and are said to be breeding in numbers.
According to the British Arachnological Society, the bite of a false widow is very similar to a wasp sting. However, experts say that the symptoms can range from pain, swelling and nausea to tremors and altered blood pressure.
Speaking to the Daily Star, pest control expert Clive Boase: "The population of false widows in the UK is growing all the time. People don’t realise just how common they have become. They can survive both indoors and outdoors.
"They are generally shy creatures and won’t come out into the open – but they could crawl into curtains or perhaps clothing left on the floor."
A man from Conwy, North Wales, Joe Hildebrandt, has been left with a swollen hand after being bitten by one the creatures in his garden.
He said: “Spiders don’t scare me but this one did. When I saw it on the floor, it spooked me a bit as it had been on my arm – and I know they will only bite when provoked.”
Michel Dugon, an expert from the National University of Ireland in Galway, said: “In addition to their medically significant venom, noble false widows are extremely competitive. Two decades ago, this species was almost unknown in Ireland, the UK or in continental Europe.
“One thing is certain, though – this species is here to stay, and we must learn how to live with it.”
Residents are urged to keep their homes clean and tidy and to regularly hoover to help keep the creatures at bay.
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