How Do Spiders in the UK Bite Humans?
WouterDid you know that there are over 650 species of spiders that live in the UK? Of those, only twelve species can bite humans. The bites from these spiders can be very painful. But, most bites are relatively harmless.
There are only a handful of species that have venom that can cause serious damage. In the UK, the most common spiders to attack humans are the Daddy Long Leg and the false widow. Both of these spiders have venom that can cause pain. However, they are not as dangerous as the huntsman and black widow spiders.
Cardinal Spiders are the largest spider species in the UK. They have long legs and hairy tibias. These spiders have the ability to create tube-like webs. If you are attacked by this spider, it will vibrate its web to scare away the attacker.
Despite their large size, the Cardinal Spider is not very poisonous. Its venom is used to immobilize its prey. Typically, the Cardinal Spider prefers to live in buildings and cracks.
When a person is bitten by a venomous spider, the first symptom is usually pain. Sometimes the area around the bite will turn red and become inflamed.
While all spiders have fangs, only a small percentage have fangs strong enough to penetrate human skin. Most of the spiders found in the UK are indigenous.
If you are bitten by a UK spider, it is important to seek medical treatment. This is because the venom of these spiders is able to cause a severe allergic reaction.
