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Extra.ie
07-08-2025
- Health
- Extra.ie
False widow season is here
If spiders are your particular trigger, then look away now, but be aware that experts in the field of our eight-legged friends are warning everyone to keep windows firmly closed for the coming month or so, as the False Widow Spiders kick off their annual love fest. The romantic little creatures like to do their procreation indoors and so will be seeking a warm nest to snuggle up and get jiggy with their other halves. Dr Tom Elwood, a top arachnologist, has pinpointed August as the height of spider shenanigans, particularly for the noble false widow – a venomous critter that's made itself right at home across Ireland. Pic: Getty Images Originally from the Canary Islands, the false widow is an invasive species that can now be found in many countries across Western Europe. In an article in Galway Beo, Expert Dr. Tom Elwood adds, '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.' While most eight-legged visitors are nothing to worry about, the false black widow is a different kettle of fish, capable of delivering a vicious bite. These bites aren't usually deadly but can pack a punch with symptoms like intense pain, nausea, swelling, and in extreme cases, severe allergic reactions or infections. Pic: Getty Images Dr Elwood emphasises that it's not merely open windows that attract spiders, it's the accumulated dust and debris commonly found on windowsills and frames. He clarifies: 'Spiders are drawn to dust, insect remains and debris on window frames,' adding that 'Webs cling better to rough or grimy surfaces. That's why cleaning your windows is just as important as keeping them shut.' So if you don't fancy sharing your home with a host of loved up eight legged friends, then heed the warnings from the experts, close the windows firmly and keep frames and glass spotlessly clean and as a slippery window is no good for webs, Incy might just move on down the road.
Irish Daily Mirror
06-08-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Gardai make arrest after man rushed to hospital following late-night assault
A man is being treated in hospital after he was assaulted in Co Galway last night. Gardaí have launched an investigation following the alleged assault, which occurred in the Ballybane area of Galway city at approximately 7.50pm on Tuesday evening (August 5). Emergency services were called to the scene and the victim, a man aged in his 50s, was rushed to University Hospital Galway, where his condition is described as non-life-threatening, Galway Beo reports. A second man, also aged in his 50s, was subsequently arrested in connection with the alleged assault and remains in custody in a garda station in Galway. A garda spokesperson said investigations into the incident are ongoing. "Gardaí responded to an incident of assault that occurred at approximately 7:50pm last night, 5th of August 2025 in the Ballybane area of Galway City," the garda spokesperson said in a statement. "A man aged in his 50s was conveyed to University Hospital Galway for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries." "Another man aged in his 50s was arrested in connection with this incident and remains in detention in a Garda Station in Galway County. Investigations are ongoing." The incident comes just days after a man was subjected to a brutal assault in the toilets of a fast food restaurant in Galway city. The incident occurred in the bathroom of Supermac's in Eyre Square shortly before 10pm on Saturday evening (August 2). According to gardai, a man aged in his 50s was assaulted by three males in the toilet area of the busy fast food restaurant. The victim suffered several injuries in the alleged assault and was treated by emergency services at the scene. Gardai have confirmed that they are investigating the alleged assault and investigating officers are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this assault to contact Galway Garda Station 091-538000 or the Garda confidential line on 1800 666 111. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Dublin Live
16-06-2025
- Dublin Live
Irish tourists told to 'cancel' Spain holidays as expert issues Greece and Turkey warning
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Irish people planning a sunny escape to Spain, Turkey, or Greece are being warned to think twice - as a UK expert has flagged up serious concerns. Speaking to BBC's Morning Live, travel journalist Ash Bhardwaj has raised the alarm about the heightened risk of wildfires. He warned holidaymakers: "We're entering wildfire season, which peaks in July and August, and some of these places are seeing temperatures that peak at over 50 degrees Celsius. "As a place gets drier and hotter, you're more likely to get wildfires. Over the last five years, 13 per cent of travel insurance claims have been evacuations or related to natural disasters, so this is something that can affect your travel." In the Canary Islands, both tourists and locals are keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of forest fires, with the authorities putting a pre-alert state into action. The combination of scorching heat, bone-dry conditions, and the recent battering from a calima – those dry, dusty winds from the Sahara – means the risk of a blaze breaking out is all too real, reports Galway Beo. An official statement on the local government's website said: "Given the current climatic, meteorological, and environmental circumstances, having passed the usual period of precipitation in the Canary Islands and, as established in section 2.10 of the INFOCA, it is estimated that the conditions are in place to declare a Pre-Alert Situation due to this being a period of medium to high risk of forest fires." Spain's key tourism sector is already bracing for impact over soaring anti-tourist sentiment with demonstrations in full swing before the peak holiday season kicks in. Last month saw protesters thronging the streets across Tenerife, La Gomera, Gran Canaria, El Hierro, Lanzarote, and La Palma, banding together under the slogan 'Canarias tiene un limite' (The Canaries has a limit). Activists have been vocal, demanding a cap on tourist numbers, a stop to new hotel projects and calling for tougher tourist taxes among several measures. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage.
Extra.ie
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
American woman wins Leitrim home worth over €300k for just €6
A woman has won a house in Leitrim worth over €300,000 — for just over a fiver. It's the way that most young people can only dream of getting a house/the only way we'll actually be able to get a house in this day and age — with Imelda Collins raffling off her picturesque Leitrim home, sitting on 1.75acres of land, for just £5 (€6) per ticket. Speaking about the decision to sell the house, Imelda reckoned that she would've fetched a price tag of around €300,000 for the home, which underwent extensive renovations and includes sensational views, a large open plan living and dining area, and two bedrooms. A woman has won a house in Ireland worth over €300,000 — for just over a fiver. Pic: Win A House Near Sligo/Facebook To sweeten the deal, Imelda will be paying the legal and stamp duty fees before handing over the keys — with American woman Kathleen Spangler winning the incredible home. Imelda Collins outside the cottage in Co Leitrim. Pic: Raffall Imelda said that both she and Kathleen are 'over the moon' with the raffle, with her adding to Galway Beo that it was a 'win win situation.' Pic: Win A House Near Sligo/Facebook The home has a south facing aspect meaning it gets sun from sunrise to sunset (or cloud, Irish weather eh?) and underwent extensive renovations including new insulated floors, a vaulted ceiling with a skylight, and an energy efficient new oil boiler among many others. Pic: Raffall The home is also just 15 minutes from Sligo town, with a beautiful white and red facade. Pic: Raffall More photos from the home can be found below Pic: Raffall Pic: Raffall Pic: Raffall Pic: Raffall Pic: Raffall
Dublin Live
21-05-2025
- General
- Dublin Live
'Aggressive' plant could cause '€80,000 of damage' to gardens
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Garden lovers are being warned about a common garden plant so aggressive and damaging that it's now being dubbed the new 'Japanese Knotweed'. This comes after reports of bamboo causing chaos in homes and gardens, reports Galway Beo. Experts are advising homeowners to be cautious when choosing which species to plant and to avoid planting it directly in the garden. Bamboo has been a popular choice since the nineties and noughties due to its low maintenance and ability to add an exotic touch to gardens. It also serves as an ideal habitat for various wildlife species, with birds, insects, and small mammals using it for shelter and food. It is also a favoured choice for providing privacy and windbreaks in the garden. However, if not properly contained, it can cause significant damage. Experts from Gardening Express have urged people to choose the right bamboo species and grow it in pots and planters where possible to prevent it from taking over gardens and becoming a nuisance. Parts of Britain are reportedly facing a 'Bamboo crisis' as uninformed gardeners have unknowingly planted unruly species in their gardens, allowing it to wreak havoc on their own and neighbouring properties. A couple told The Telegraph that they noticed bamboo growing into their conservatory by the garden threshold. They said their neighbour's garden was 'full of it' and despite lifting the garden path and taking measures to kill the plant, they were forced to demolish their conservatory. Rebuilding it would incur a staggering cost of €80,000, they revealed to the publication. Recently, Environet, a UK-based expert in tackling invasive plants, included questions about bamboo in their annual survey. Emily Grant, the operations director, shared with the Guardian: "In our latest research, 71% of people weren't aware that bamboo could cause any damage and 84% were not aware that it could prompt legal claims between neighbours or hinder property sales." However, Chris Bonnett from Gardening Express sang the plant's praises, saying: "Bamboo is ideal for garden designs that call for dramatic backdrops, privacy screens, or stand-alone features." He continued, "You can get black and green varieties and they're very hardy and low maintenance, which is perfect for gardeners that aren't that green-fingered." Offering prudent gardening advice, he noted: "However, if you're growing running varieties it's a good idea to keep them in pots and planters in order to control the growth and spread. It's as simple as that!". Bonnett also cautioned against pests, saying: "You should also watch out for pests like aphids and spider mites, and use natural remedies or appropriate pesticides to manage infestations." Gardening Express provided guidance on cultivating bamboo without trouble:. Clumping bamboo thrives in dense clusters, sprouting new shoots near the base, making it a doddle to manage and a top choice for many gardens. On the other hand, running bamboo can be a bit of a nightmare neighbour, sending its underground rhizomes far and wide, potentially taking over spaces if not kept under control. To better control the growth and spread of bamboo, it's recommended to plant it in pots and planters. Bamboo that is contained is generally easier to handle and trim, helping maintain the desired size and shape of the plant. Bamboo in containers can also be conveniently moved to sheltered spots during severe weather conditions, protecting them from harsh winters or blistering summers. For the best results, bamboo should be planted in the spring or early summer. The soil starts to warm up in the spring, providing a more favourable environment for root growth. Proper care is crucial to ensure healthy and attractive bamboo growth. Newly planted bamboo needs frequent watering until it develops a strong root system, so make sure to water it thoroughly to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Over time, bamboo clumps can become thick with numerous canes, leading to overcrowding. Thinning helps reduce this density, ensuring that the remaining canes have enough space to grow properly. It also permits more light and air to reach the interior of the clump, promoting healthier growth and reducing the risk of fungal infections and other issues. Simply look for older, less productive canes that may be turning yellow or showing signs of age. These canes often have fewer leaves and are less vigorous. Use sharp pruning tools to cut these canes at ground level. Avoid leaving stubs, as they can be entry points for diseases. Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
