Can Spiders in the UK Bite?
If you’re concerned about spiders in the UK, there are plenty of species to worry about. Most are harmless, but some are quite dangerous. The majority of spiders have fangs that are too small to pierce human skin. However, there are only a few species that can cause serious harm.
There are 12 spider species that can inflict a painful bite. They include the cellar spider, the false widow, the black lace-weaver, the huntsman, the money spider, the woodlouse, and the tube web spider.
If you’re bitten by one of these, you’ll probably notice redness, swelling, pain, numbness, and burning. Some of these symptoms may last for a day or two. Others will disappear within a few hours.
One of the most venomous spiders in the UK is the false widow spider. This is because it produces venom that can cause pain, swelling, numbness, and nausea.
Another venomous UK spider is the brown recluse. This is the second most venomous spider in the country. It can cause pain and inflammation, but it doesn’t have a strong enough bite to kill.
The tube web spider is an invasive species in the UK that is commonly found in urban areas. It creates a tube-like web to catch prey. It can make its way into buildings by making holes in the wall. When someone accidentally touches it, it may bite them.
There are about 650 species of spiders in the United Kingdom. Most are native, but some are introduced.