Look away now if you're not a fan of spiders. This summer's hot weather has reportedly led to an explosion in numbers of the false widow spider - and they're set to invade homes this autumn.
The spiders have been multiplying in numbers, reports LeicestershireLive, having enjoyed breeding during the recent heatwaves. The species is thought to have originally arrived in Britain a century ago having stowed away on ships from warmer climes. And it's been hassling arachnophobes ever since.
Although bites from the false widow can be painful, that it usually the only symptom. It generally lasts around 12 hours and rarely more than 24. It can feel like a wasp sting.
The Natural History Museum says that there are currently six species of the false widow in the UK. It's related to one of the world's deadliest spider species, the black widow, but is not as dangerous.
But although false widows do not have a particularly venomous bite, a nip from the creature can occasionally cause serious injury, leading to hospital treatment. 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 for advice.
