Latest news with #FalseWidow
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Health
- 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
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Brits told to shut windows for the next four weeks due to 'toxic invader'
False Widow spiders are on the move and are expected to invade UK homes as mating season for the deadly breed begins. These eight-legged creatures are relatives of the lethal Black Widow 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.
