Brits told to shut windows for the next four weeks due to 'toxic invader'
Enormous spiders armed with wasp-like stings are gearing up to storm British households, forcing residents to take urgent precautions.
False Widows are regarded as Britain's most toxic spider and can deliver an agonising bite - they're among just 12 UK spider species known to have attacked humans.
These eight-legged creatures are relatives of the lethal Black Widow and are poised for their yearly mating ritual invasion of our homes. While their bite won't kill you, their poison can cause swelling and excruciating burns, potentially triggering fever. In other similar news, Brits are told to never put one banned item in garden bins as you could face punishment.
Rid your home and garden of ants with natural 10-second method
This dangerous species has now become firmly entrenched in properties throughout Britain, reports the Express. Top arachnologist Dr Tom Elwood reveals: "August is when male spiders become active". He continues: "They're searching for a mate and they'll wander through open windows, up walls, into bathtubs - anywhere they can."
Dr Elwood explains it's not just open windows that lure spiders inside - it's the grime and rubbish accumulating on countless windowsills and frames.
"Spiders are drawn to dust, insect remains and debris on window frames," he clarifies. "Webs cling better to rough or grimy surfaces. That's why cleaning your windows is just as important as keeping them shut."
These arachnids are frequently spotted on floors, beside skirting boards and scaling walls. Delivering a chilling alert, Dr Elwood warns: "Spiders are already on the move. "You may not see them, but they're out there - climbing walls, slipping in through vents, and squeezing through the tiniest cracks. " Dr Elwood suggests keeping windows shut both day and night, stating that this isn't "paranoia - it's smart preparation".
Here's how to keep False Widows at bay:
Keep windows closed at all times
Clean glass and frames every week
Close any visible gaps or cracks
Use vinegar sprays to avoid web-building
Tidy corners and darker parts of the house where spiders hide
"Do the right things now, and you won't be waking up to spiders crawling across your bedroom floor," he concludes.
As they're most actively and frequently seen from July to November, it's important to take immediate action to prevent them from marking territory in your home. So, if you're afraid of spiders, don't worry - by doing following these simple instructions, you'll be avoiding False Widow spiders and any other insects and keep them far away from you.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Warning issued as Britain's 'most dangerous spider' with 'unbearable' bites invades homes across the UK
A stark warning has been issued as Britain's 'most dangerous spider' with an 'unbearable' bite, is about to invade homes across the UK. False Widow spiders are set to appear in greater numbers as spider mating season is set to begin later on in August. This is prompting experts to urge people to keep windows closed both day and night. The venomous animal delivers a bite that, although not lethal, can cause swelling, painful burns and even fever. It is the largest of the three false widow species commonly found near homes. Dr Tom Elwood said as 'spider season' kicked off this month - when horny males move indoors to search for mates - the eight-legged critters could scuttle through pipes into homes. The arachnologist said: 'August is when male spiders become active - they're searching for a mate and they'll wander through open windows, up walls, into bathtubs - anywhere they can.' It comes after Dr Elwood this week urged Brits to clean their windows to stop grimy, cobwebbed frames becoming a haven for the poisonous arachnids. Dr Elwood encouraged Brits to keep their bathtubs, sinks and other areas of their homes clean and tidy to hold back the invasion of venomous critters. He said: 'Spiders are drawn to dust, insect remains and debris.' He added: 'Spiders are already on the move. You may not see them, but they're out there, climbing walls, slipping in through vents and squeezing through the tiniest cracks.' The noble false widow is 'widely regarded as the most dangerous spider breeding in Britain,' according to a 2020 paper by Clive Hambler, an Oxford University zoologist. Known as Steatoda nobilis, they're not native to Britain and are thought to have arrived from the Canary Islands in banana boxes in the late 1800s before slowly spreading northwards. The Daily Mail previously reported that a man believes he was bitten by this spider left him in 'unbearable' pain and struggling to walk. Keith Robinson, 65, says he developed a large, angry inflammation on his leg shortly after clearing out cobwebs at home. At first, he tried to treat it himself using painkillers and savlon, but before long, it became too much to bear and he went to the hospital. Now he's been diagnosed with cellulitis around the wound, and can only walk for short distances before 'intense pain' sets in. He said: 'It must be more than a coincidence that I had removed a large number of cobwebs from the house by hoover. 'So I'm thinking that I've disturbed a spider, and at some point, I got bitten.' The bite, unnoticeable at first, only got worse as the days passed. ARACHNOPHOBIA IS IN OUR DNA Dating back hundreds of thousands of years, the instinct to avoid arachnids developed as an evolutionary response to a dangerous threat, the academics suggest. It could mean that arachnophobia, one of the most crippling of phobias, represents a finely tuned survival instinct. And it could date back to early human evolution in Africa, where spiders with very strong venom have existed millions of years ago. Study leader Joshua New, of Columbia University in New York, said: 'A number of spider species with potent, vertebrate specific venoms populated Africa long before hominoids and have co-existed there for tens of millions of years.
Daily Mirror
9 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Swimming banned as Portugese man o' war colony plagues Spanish beaches
Swimming has been banned at certain beaches in theBasque region of the North of Spain after Portugese man o' war stung swimmers, landing at least two people in hospital Sunseekers have been banned from swimming on some beaches after a spate of Portuguese man o' war stings. On Thursday alone, seven people received nasty stings from the jellyfish-like animal, bringing the total number of people hurt by the creatures' 10-metre-long tentacles in Bizkaia this past week to 14. Overall, 36 swimmers have been stung in the Basque Country in the past week. The warm summer waters of the north of Spain and southwest of France are particularly welcoming to man-o'-war, which aren't actually jellyfish but siphonophores, a group of animals that are closely related to the blobby critters. The man o' war invasion comes after multiple giant 'alien' jellyfish were found washed up on a British beach, causing concern among the country's barefoot beachgoers. This week, several people required medical attention from Osakidetza's Emergency Service at the scene of the incident, with two being sent to the hospital for treatment. The Basque Government's Department of Health explained that swimming is generally best avoided if jellyfish or Portuguese man o' war are present, and touching them, even if they are on the sand, is not recommended. In the event of a sting, it is advisable to go quickly to the first-aid station, not scratch or rub the area, and clean the area with seawater, never fresh water. Debris should be removed with tweezers, not with your hand unless wearing gloves. It is also advisable to apply cold or ice in a plastic bag to the area for five minutes. A series of measures are currently in place at beaches in the area, ranging from the display of a yellow 'jellyfish' flag warning of their presence to a total ban on swimming, which is communicated via a red flag. Over in the UK, Joel Gabirel, an engineer and amateur photographer, shared pictures of the creatures after he stumbled across them while on holiday in Llandudno, Wales. The 31-year-old was out for an early morning walk along the coast when the tide was out, when he spotted what he calls 'danger pancakes' blending into the sand. 'Jellyfish are already dead by the time you find one. They're 95% water and dehydrate within minutes of washing ashore. They're basically a digestive system with some tentacles. They don't have a brain. But they can still sting. Seeing the jellyfish and their sizes really surprised me," he said. Joel said he didn't even spot the larger ones at first because he thought they were rocks. The beachgoer seems to have stumbled across several different types of jellyfish. The species with straight lines running from its peak down to its edge appears to be a compass jellyfish. "With brown markings reminiscent of a compass, this jellyfish is really quite distinctive. A summer visitor to our shores, the compass jellyfish feeds on small fish, crabs and even other jellyfish. They give a nasty sting, so if you spot them during a visit to the beach – look, but don't touch! Once they have stung something, jellyfish often leave the tentacle behind and can continue to sting using it even when not connected to their body," the Wildlife Trust explains.
Telegraph
9 hours ago
- Telegraph
The best fitted sheets, tested for a neat, hotel-style bed
The products or services listed have been independently tested by our journalists. We earn a commission from the affiliate links in this article. Read more > Nothing detracts from fresh bedding quite like a fitted sheet that springs loose from your mattress at the first toss or turn. Finding one that fits snugly and securely will help you rest easy. Fitted sheets can range in price from around £7 to over £100, depending on the type of fabric (you'll find everything from Egyptian cotton to linen in our round-up), depth and size. I tested some of the best fitted sheets, from leading brands such as Dusk, The White Company, Rise & Fall and Silentnight, to see how they impacted my sleep, assessing them for softness and security. We check and update this guide regularly to bring you the most accurate findings, and below, you'll find my full reviews and answers to some common FAQs. But first, here are my top recommendations at a glance. The best fitted sheets: At a glance How to choose the best fitted sheets For starters, check the depth of your mattress, including anything that sits on top of it such as a mattress protector, topper or electric blanket. Most fitted sheets come in standard and deep iterations, with some designed specifically for thicker or shallower mattresses. While thread count can be a great indicator of a sheet's quality (300 to 600 is a sweet spot for quality and price), it's not the only factor to consider. Hannah Shore, head of sleep science at Mattress Online, explains: 'If you are someone who overheats, a higher thread count could create a barrier between you and the breathable fibres in your mattresses. The higher the thread count on your sheets the less space there is between the fibres, meaning this could inhibit air circulation and hold heat and moisture closer to your body, leaving you feeling slightly warmer throughout the night.' Linen, with its looser weave, is a good alternative in this instance. No matter your budget or the type of mattress that you have, from pocket sprung mattresses to memory foam mattresses, there is an option for you. How we test fitted sheets Firstly, I assessed how many sizes and colours each sheet came in, taking note of the fabric composition. I then judged how well it covered my mattress, both with and without a mattress topper. Security was important, as was the sheet's comfort and softness against my skin. I noted whether using the new fitted sheet impacted my body temperature (either positively or negatively) and if it was easy to wash, looking to see if this altered its appearance and feel. To ensure a fair test, I used the same duvet, pillows, pillowcases and duvet cover and slept on each of the sheets for at least a week. In total I tested 20 fitted sheets, but only the top 12 made this guide. Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best sleep product. No manufacturer ever sees Telegraph Recommended reviews before publication and we don't accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews, nor do we allow brands to pay for placement in our articles. All opinions are based on independent expert opinion and our hands-on testing. Visit our Who We Are page to learn more. The best fitted sheets of 2025 1. Best Buy Fitted Sheet: Dusk 200 Thread Count Plain-Dye Fitted Sheet Dusk has a number of fitted sheets to choose from, from 200 thread count cotton designs all the way up to 1,000 thread count options. I tried several, and this plain-dye option at the lower end of the scale was my favourite. The sheet feels soft and washes well, making my bed even more inviting than usual at the end of a long day. I didn't notice any bunching or creasing over the course of a night or week, nor did I spot any loose threads or fading, either. The sheets are available in some striking and classic colours, so if you've been searching for some contrasting (or indeed complementary) colours for your bedroom, it's worth a look. One of my favourite things about shopping at Dusk – which is also a negative if not timed correctly – is that everything is almost always on sale. I have never paid the RRP, so it's worth waiting for a discount – so long as you don't need them urgently. Key specifications: Sizes: Single, double, king and super king (we tested double) Depths: Standard and deep Fabric: 200-thread count cotton Care instructions: Machine washable on 30C, tumble dry, iron on medium head while damp Available colours: 10 – including light grey, burnt orange and olive 2. Best Value Fitted Sheet: Fogarty Soft Touch Fitted Sheet Score: 8/10 We like: Available in a range of colours and depths, washes well, excellent value for money We don't like: Microfibre isn't as breathable as cotton, prone to creasing and gathering fluff These Dunelm sheets give you the most choice, by far. There's a fantastic range of 16 colours to choose from and a standout five depths. Which you opt for will impact the price slightly, but it means a more tailored fit. I opted for 28cm, which fitted my mattress and accompanying memory foam mattress topper nicely, without being too baggy. However, if your measurements are off by just a few centimetres, the sheet could bunch up; after a few nights, I noticed the sides of mine started to rise up. Even though it washed and dried well, it was prone to creasing, taking a few nights to smooth out (when I didn't iron or steam it). This looked a bit untidy, which isn't to my taste. Fluff from my socks, pyjamas and duvet cover clung to the microfibre fabric as well, which made it look more dishevelled than I'd like from freshly laundered sheets. Because polyester is used to make microfibre, it's not as breathable as the cotton sheets that I tested. While this wasn't too noticeable most nights, I felt a bit hot and sweaty on warm summer evenings. However, the fabric itself has a softness to it, feeling lovely on the skin as you move around. Key specifications: Sizes: Single, double, king and super king (I tested double) Depths: 25cm, 28cm, 32cm, 35cm and 40cm Fabric: 100% Polyester Microfibre Care instructions: Machine washable, tumble dry on a low heat setting Available colours: 16 – including teal, forest green, ochre and plum purple 3. Best Fitted Sheet for Stretch: Tempur-Fit Fitted Sheet £69 Buy now Price at Tempur A go-to brand if you're after a mattress for back pain, Tempur also makes a range of accompanying bedding and sheets. This impressive option mostly consists of twisted cotton, but there's some elastane woven throughout making it a stretchy, jersey fabric overall. This means it should fit your mattress more tightly than many and makes it suitable for their adjustable beds (Tempur recommends using two long single fitted sheets for those). I tried the king size, which was incredibly soft. The added stretch made changing the sheets much easier than normal, too. It didn't come loose or bunch up, even when I made a concerted effort to toss around at night. Nor did it crease, so you don't need to worry about ironing (if you usually do this to your sheets). It also washed well. My main bugbear is that it only comes in one colour – white. So, if you have a more colourful bedroom, or worry about white getting dirtier more quickly, it may not suit. It's also one of the more expensive designs, but the three-year guarantee against manufacturing defects provides added peace of mind. Key specifications: 4. Best Egyptian Cotton Fitted Sheet: Soak & Sleep Luxury Egyptian Cotton Fitted Sheets Egyptian cotton is one of the most popular (and luxurious) materials for fitted sheets because of its softness and breathability, and Soak and Sleep's design impressed me. It has one of the highest thread counts tested at 600, and gave my bed that desirable hotel look and feel. The sheet felt crisp and pleasant against my skin and it helped wick away any excess sweat or moisture on particularly stuffy evenings. Either the standard or deep fit should work for most mattresses, but I was a little disappointed that it only comes in three neutral colourways. Given the overall quality and high thread count, I assumed that these fitted sheets would be a lot more expensive than they are, making them great value for money. The two-year guarantee only cements that further. Key specifications: 5. Best Soft Fitted Sheet: West Elm Tencel Fitted Sheet This is another soft option, made with a textile called Tencel derived from wood pulp (in this case eucalyptus,) and generally praised for its smoothness and slight sheen. It's increasingly popular for bedding as a more sustainable option; the eucalyptus grows quickly and requires less water than cotton to produce. This was one of the most affordable Tencel sheets I could find (especially as the Frost Grey option is currently on sale,) and it claims to be more absorbent than cotton, softer than silk and cooler than linen. It's made in a Fair Trade certified factory, and holds an Oeko-Tex accreditation, which means it is free from harmful chemicals. So far, so good. But what was it like to sleep with? It lived up to its billing and more. I was content using this sheet during some unseasonably warm weather; it felt lovely and cool as I moved around during the night. It didn't bunch up or loosen either, and it seemed well made and designed to last. Even though it's not marketed as a deep fitted sheet, it will suit mattresses up to 41cm high. This means it may be a bit baggy if you have a shallow mattress, though. Choose between three neutral hues, all will please anyone who turns to West Elm for their homeware and furniture. Key specifications: 6. Best Deep Fitted Sheet: The White Company Essentials Egyptian Cotton Deep Fitted Sheet If you have a deep mattress or use a mattress topper, sheets which accommodate this are a must. At 34cm tall, The White Company Deep Fitted Sheet is an excellent option for most set-ups. It instantly added a luxurious feel to my bed, and given its quality and feel, I was surprised by its overall value for money; all the sizes apart from the super king retail for below £30. It was relatively easy to put on my bed and gripped the corners securely. It also washed and dried well and I didn't notice any fading or significant creases after doing so either. This sheet is only available in white, no real surprise there, but it won't necessarily go with every duvet set or bedroom aesthetic. But, that small niggle aside, I was pleased to have a deep sheet that properly fitted. Key specifications: 7. Best Linen Fitted Sheet: Rise & Fall Relaxed & Refined Linen Fitted Sheet Linen traditionally gets softer and cosier with each wash, which is exactly what I experienced with Rise & Fall's fitted sheet. Initially it had a rougher texture, but after a wash, it was much gentler on my skin, even if it wasn't the softest of all the fitted sheets that I tried. It was particularly welcome in the warmer weather, as it kept me cool and comfortable the whole night, preventing sweatiness or overheating. It clings snugly to the corners of your mattress thanks to some excellent rubbery-feeling elastic. I hadn't seen this detail before, and the grip was notably superior (the same is used on its cotton fitted sheets). This is particularly handy given its depth, as there could be too much material for shallower mattresses. Look out for limited edition colourways – at the time of testing these was a light celery green and bruised peach hue – or choose from one of its staple shades, whether you want a crisp, classic white or a more on-trend olive. Key specifications: Sizes: Double, king and super king Depths: One – up to 45cm Fabric: 100% European flax Care instructions: Machine washable Available colours: Five classic colours and two limited edition 8. Best Cotton Fitted Sheet: Ikea Balsampoppel Fitted Sheet If you're on a budget, or shopping for your first home, a spare room or even an air bed, Ikea is a great place to start. I tested four of its fitted sheets, and was impressed with the overall quality. It's worth spending a few extra pounds for my highest scoring pick from the brand as it's made from 100 per cent organic cotton. That's about £6 more for a double than the next best cotton option. This sheet was softer and creased less than Ikea's other designs. It fitted the mattress snugly too, but at only 26cm deep, it may not work for all. I didn't notice any loose or fraying stitching and it washed and dried well. But while some Ikea bedding comes in brighter colours or patterns, this one just comes in white, which is a bit of a shame. Key specifications: Sizes: Single, double, king and super king, 80x200cm, 90x200cm (we tested double) Depths: One size – up to 26cm deep Fabric: 100% organic cotton Care instructions: Machine washable, tumble dry at normal temperature, iron at a maximum of 200°C Available colours: One – white 9. Best Sateen Fitted Sheet: Espa White 100% Egyptian Cotton Sateen Stripe Fitted Sheet Espa is known for its spa treatments and products, however it also makes some lovely bedding. This Egyptian cotton fitted sheet has an elevated striped finish and looks much more expensive than the price tag implies. Some of this is thanks to the sateen weave (which is where the cotton feels silky, as opposed to a percale weave which is tighter and crisper). This satin effect can often make bedding slippery, but I found the stripes prevented this entirely. During testing, the fitted sheet didn't move around at all, meaning I had no issues with bunching or loose corners. In fact, my bed looked crisp and smart throughout. Made according to Oeko-Tex certified standards (i.e. chemical free), these were some of the most comfortable sheets to sleep on. They were soft, had a slight cooling feel and they looked just as good after multiple rounds in the washing machine. Key specifications: 10. Best Cotton Percale Fitted Sheet: Emma 100% Cotton Percale Fitted Sheet A classic bed-in-a-box mattress brand, Emma also makes a range of soft fitted sheets. The one I tried is a cotton percale sheet, which is a type of closely woven cotton known for its crisp and cool feel. The matte texture felt smooth against my skin, and became softer and more comfortable night after night and wash after wash. There are four muted shades for you to choose from, including a pale blue and natural beige. Confusingly, even tough Emma sells single and super king mattresses, this fitted sheet is only available as a double or a king size. But if that's what you're looking for, it's another reliable buy. Key specifications: Sizes: Double and king (we tested double) Depths: One – 30cm Fabric: 200TC 100% cotton percale Care instructions: Machine washable at 40C, tumble dry at medium temperature, iron at a maximum of 150C Available colours: Four – white (only available in double,) dark grey, beige and blue 11. Best Cooling Fitted Sheet: Slumberdown Cool Summer Cooling Fitted Sheet Whether you suffer from hot flushes, often wake up in a sweat or struggle to stay cool in summer, bedding designed with dedicated cooling properties is worth considering. And with a notably hot UK summer, I tested this sheet during some of the stuffiest evenings of the year. I was pleasantly surprised at the difference it made. Yes, it retains some heat if you sleep in the same position without moving, but it was instantly cooling and refreshing when I swiped my legs and arms across an unused patch of sheet. The best way to describe how it felt, is to compare it to laundry that's not quite dry. So, when the temperatures started to dip, I was ready to swap in something cosier. Aesthetically, it looks somewhat clinical, reminding me more of a mattress protector than a classic sheet. And while the fabric on its sides is softer and slinkier, it can cause its stiffer top to bunch up with movement. Frustratingly, I had to pull the corners down again every couple of nights. But for a fleeting heatwave, this and a cooling blanket should make a massive difference. As it's summer, stock of this sheet fluctuates. At the time of writing, only the super king was available. You can sign up for stock alerts from Slumberdown, ready for when your size returns. Key specifications: Sizes: Single, double, king and super king Depths: One size – up to 38cm deep Fabric: Polyester Care instructions: Machine washable at 40C, tumble dry on cool Available colours: One 12. Best Budget Fitted Sheet: Silentnight Supersoft Fitted Sheet At just £9 for a single, Silentnight's Supersoft Fitted Sheets are another great budget-friendly option. They are available in five relatively neutral colours, including white. I put the fitted sheet on my bed without too much of a struggle and the tight elastic on the corners stopped it from moving around with me during the night. I also liked the feel of them. Silentnight classes it as microfibre, and there was a definite softness to it which was pleasant on my skin. Satisfyingly, the sheet became softer to the touch after each wash. However, as microfibre is technically a form of polyester, the sheet isn't the most breathable pick, perhaps making it a better buy for chillier winter weather than hot or humid nights. It's also probably worth a swerve for perpetually hot sleepers. Key specifications: Fitted sheets FAQs
