Which Spiders in the UK Bite?
WouterThe UK is home to over 650 species of spider, but just a small number of them bite humans. Although most are harmless, some are venomous, causing pain and inflammation. If you get bit by a venomous spider, it’s important to know what to do and what symptoms to look out for.
Cardinal spiders are one of the largest and most common types of spiders in the UK. They create tube-like webs that are often found in cracks. Usually, their bites are harmless, but they do sting. If you are bitten by a cardinal, you can experience localized swelling for a few hours.
A cross spider is a common type of UK spider that has a pale cross of spots on its round abdomen. These spiders only bite when threatened. However, a bite from a cross spider can cause mild to severe symptoms, including nausea, pain, and swelling.
The false widow spider is another type of UK spider that can bite. The venom is not as dangerous as that of the black widow spider, but the bite can still cause painful symptoms. The venom can irritate the skin and cause redness, swelling, and numbness. It can also leave a painful white patch on the skin.
The money spider is a tiny species of UK spider. It has long, slender legs and measures less than 5mm. The money spider is considered a symbol of luck. The venom of the money spider is believed to be mild, though the bite can be painful and leave a red mark.
