Numbers of 'Britain's most venomous spider' are thought to be multiplying due to the recent heatwave.
False widow spiders are thought to have arrived here as a stowaway on ships from warmer climates a century ago. Now, they have been enjoying the heatwave and breeding in higher numbers.
According to the Natural History Museum, there are currently six species of the false widow living in the UK. The false widow is related to one of the world's deadliest spider species, the black widow, but are not as dangerous reported Leicester Live.
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Although false widows do not have a particularly venomous bite, a nip from the creature can occasionally cause serious injury, leading to in-hospital treatment. Usually the only symptom from a bite is pain at the site ordinarily lasting between one and 12 hours - rarely for more than 24 hours. Experts say being bitten by one can feel like a wasp sting.
Recently, a man on holiday in Skegness spent five days in hospital after being bitten by a false widow spider. The 37-year-old's ordeal prompted warnings when he told the Daily Echo that doctors told him it was "highly likely" he could lose his finger.
Adam Roberts said: "I was on holiday in Mablethorpe and woke up on the Tuesday morning and my finger was very swollen and painful, I struggled to get my wedding ring off. Two days later the swelling had gone up to my elbow and I went to an emergency treatment centre where they suggested it was a spider bite.
"They put me on antibiotics, and we travelled back to Dorset where it continued to get worse and worse, we went to A&E and I was shocked to hear how serious it was. The doctors and surgeons came down and said it was highly likely I could lose my finger, they said they were 90% certain."
What do false widow spiders look like?
According to the Wildlife Trusts, the noble false widow spiders - the largest of the species and one of the most common - are usually up to 14mm body length, with a leg span that covers a fifty pence piece. The front section of their body is dark brown, as are the legs.
The abdomen (the large, oval-shaped rear part of the body) can vary with patterns of cream and dark brown marks. The marks are sometimes described as skull-shaped though often the false widow can have very few markings at all.
It can be difficult to identify the creatures, but noble false widow spiders are the largest and likely to be found near residential homes and commercial buildings. They can be spotted throughout the year, but most commonly between July and November.
How to deter false widow spiders
The British Pest Control Association says to remove the webs and spiders from your house by vacuum cleaning the affected area, but if this is not possible, it may be necessary to use insecticidal sprays which can kill the spider's prey.
In the longer term, the body recommends sealing potential high risk areas, such as porches and conservatories. Sealing potential harbourage points in high risk areas, such as in porches and conservatories, may further reduce the chance of contact with the spiders.
If you are experiencing problems from a species in which you can not identify with the UK and are worried, you can contact the Natural History Museum or your local RSPCA shelter for advice.
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