Can Spiders in the UK Kill You?
WouterThe majority of spiders in the UK aren’t deadly. However, a few types of spiders can be quite dangerous if they bite you. If you have been bitten by one of these creatures, there are a few things you need to know.
The biggest house spider in the UK is the cardinal spider. This large, yellow-brown spider has six eyes and a leg span that can reach more than 12 centimetres. It is also a predator. It preys on woodlice.
The false widow spider is another type of UK spider that can be very dangerous. It is related to the black widow spider, but its venom is not as potent. It doesn’t usually kill you, but can cause infections and swelling. If you are bitten by this spider, you can have symptoms including dizziness, nausea and fever.
Tube web spiders are a type of spider that creates a tube-shaped web to catch its prey. They are commonly found in cracks of buildings. A bite from this species can be extremely painful, so be sure to clean the area and use an antiseptic solution.
The huntsman spider is not a native to the UK. It’s a fast-moving predator that lives in plantations in South East Asia. The name ‘huntsman’ comes from its hunting technique. Its venom can be quite painful, but normally only causes mild symptoms.
The fen raft spider is also a type of spider that can be very dangerous. Its bite is very painful and can leave a white patch on your skin.
