Where Can You Get False Widow Spiders in the UK?
WouterIf you have heard that Britain has a spider that is dangerous, you may be wondering how it got here. The false widow spider is not native to the UK. It was accidentally introduced here a hundred years ago.
False widow spiders are usually found in southern England. They also spread north through the UK, mostly through climate change. However, they are not as dangerous as black widow spiders.
The true black widow spider is a deadly arachnid, with venom 15 times stronger than rattlesnake venom. In the UK, the venom of the noble false widow is less potent, but still dangerous.
Noble false widows are Mediterranean-originated spiders. They are most common between July and November. Their bites can cause an allergic reaction and they can also irritate the skin.
The false widow spider can be found in areas where there are residential homes or commercial buildings. Although it is not aggressive towards humans, it has been known to bite people.
False widow spiders prefer dark, cool places. This is why they are commonly found in residential houses and commercial buildings.
It is thought that false widows arrived on ships from warmer climates 100 years ago. However, their range has expanded in recent decades. Now, they can be found in Norfolk, South Wales, Lincolnshire, and Kent.
Many reports suggest that false widows have bitten more than a dozen people in the UK. Some of these people have suffered severe infections. Others have become homeless.
