Brits warned of surge in false widow spider numbers as weather warms up

This summer Brits could see a surge in the false widow spider population thanks to the recent warm weather, experts have warned. The number of Britain's only venomous spider are on the rise as the species multiplies thanks to their hibernation period coming to an end, meaning they are now breeding in numbers.

Although false widow spiders are not known to be aggressive, they are venomous and attack when they feel in danger. According to the British Arachnological Society, the bite of a false widow is similar to a wasp sting, but some people can react far worse to it. Experts say symptoms from attacks usually include pain, swelling, nausea, tremors and altered blood pressure.

Speaking to the Daily Star, Pest control expert Clive Boase said: “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.”

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False widow spiders - Steatoda Nobilis in Latin - are no bigger than a 20p piece but they have the worst bite out of every spider species in the UK. They are related to the deadly black widow spider, whose venom is said to be 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake's.

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. He added: “One thing is certain, though – this species is here to stay, and we must