UK's 'most dangerous' spider set to invade our homes

UK's 'most dangerous' spider set to invade our homes
UK's 'most dangerous' spider set to invade our homes

Conditions are 'ripe' for the UK's most 'dangerous' spiders to enter our homes.

The false widow spider, a cousin of the deadly black widow, will start entering our homes for warmth during the winter months, according to the Metro.

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Janeane Williams, from Northampton, said she was terrified when she saw an enormous false widow spider in her home last week.


The false widow can bite if it feels threatened, and the venomous bite can result in burns and swelling, and possibly a fever.

A spokesman for Northampton-based exterminators Pest Professionals told the Metro: "There are many types of false widow and all though they look pretty scary they do not pose much of a threat to human beings. The species is actually scared of human beings but if cornered they could bite and cause a good deal of pain."

Conditions over the summer were reportedly perfect for the growth of false widow spider numbers, and now, with temperatures dipping to -7C in some parts of the UK, they're looking for some shelter.

Speaking to The Sun, pest management consultant Clive Boase said: "We've had a reasonably warm year with very few cold snaps and that has led to more invertebrates, such as flies, to feed on.

"Sightings of spiders often peak from September onwards as males of many species reach adulthood and venture into homes in search of a mate, and we could be seeing a lot more of them than normal over the next month or two."

They like to hide in window frames, under the sofa, in cupboards, lofts and garages, and even in clothes left lying around on the floor.

If you are bitten and notice any potential signs of infection, like weeping or swelling, contact your GP if it continues to get worse.

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