False widow spiders to invade Brit homes as sudden chill sends millions inside for eight-legged sex-fest
The randy arachnids are moving indoors as the temperatures drop following the hot summer months
MILLIONS of spiders are sneaking into centrally-heated houses across Britain as temperatures drop outside.
False widows, cousins of the deadly back widow, are among the arachnids seeking shelter in our homes.
The eight-legged creatures usually begin their wanderings with a sex-crazed hunt for a mate in late September but the sudden chill in the air is seeing them creep indoors a few weeks early.
There have already been reports of people suffering false widow bites from early home invaders including seven-year-old schoolgirl Bella Anderson from Essex who had to be put on an IV drip in hospital.
Pest control expert Clive Boase says weather conditions are ideal for a significant spike in numbers.
He said: "Sightings of spiders often peak from September as males of many species reach adulthood and venture into homes in search of a mate, but we could be seeing a lot more of them than normal over the next month or two."
The Natural History Museum said the species first established itself on the south coast, particularly in Dorset, Hampshire and Devon, but has significantly increased its foothold in the UK over the last 25 years, with sightings as far north as Scotland.
Mr Boase added: "The population of false widows in the UK is growing all the time. In fact, people don't realise just how common they have become.
"There are half-a-dozen different species of the false widow and they can survive both indoors and outdoors.
“They prefer suburban areas and are most commonly found around domestic and commercial premises.
"They love conservatories and toilet blocks, window frames, porches, lofts and garages and they like to live beneath kitchen appliances and cupboards.
"They are generally shy creatures and won't come out into the open, but they could crawl into curtains or perhaps clothing left on the floor.
"They certainly can give a painful bite, though there have been very few reports of that happening as they will only do so as a last resort.
"Bites usually result from handling the spider roughly or perhaps having it trapped between clothing and skin."
Though their poison is less venomous than the black widow, it can still leave a nasty wound.
Seven-year-old Bella Anderson, of Essex, is recovering today after a false widow spider bite on her arm saw her skin 'eaten away'.
Bella was put on an IV drip but her condition has improved after being put on antibiotics.
When there's rain in late August and early September, it boosts boost the spider population.
Raindrops trap flies and other prey in cobwebs - they get 'glued' to the strands and can't escape.
The spiders have a field day and pack on weight which puts them in prime condition for breeding and multiplying, so the population soars.
SPIDER SENSE Here are six ways to keep the eight-legged menace at bay
As the arachnids invade our homes here are some top tips to keep your home safe.
- Peppermint oil Buy a vial of the oil and add 15 to 20 drops in a spray bottle full of water. Then spray it around the home in your usual spider hangouts.
- White vinegar Fill a spray bottle with half white vinegar and half water and spray around the house.
- Tidy around the outside of your house Any piles of wood cuttings, leaves or grass are perfect hiding places for spiders - and the next obvious step is your home. Similarly, trim plants and shrubs next to exterior walls.
- Citrus candles Spiders are said to hate anything citrus, so try lighting a Citronella candle 5. Keep your house tidy and clear up webs Less clutter means fewer hiding spaces for spiders. We don't to kill these guys though, as they are brilliant for keeping the fly population down. So clear up old webs, but transport any spiders back outside.
- Keep outside lights off Spiders - and the insects they eat - are attracted to light, so it makes sense to turn them off if you can.
- Get a cat Sad but true, cats love running after spiders. And their eyes are most definitely better than yours.
The same size as a 50p piece, false widows were virtually unknown in Britain 25 years ago but are now the UK's worst eight-legged terror.
With the Latin name steatoda nobilis, false widows have shiny, black, bulbous bodies, often with markings resembling skulls.
Symptoms of a bite range from a numb sensation to severe swelling and discomfort.
In serious cases there can be various levels of burning or chest pains, which will depend on the amount of venom injected.
In April 2017, mum-of-five Gemma Hunter 41, of Rossendale, Lancs, told how she could lose her foot after she was bitten by a false widow spider.
The attack left her with a 3cm deep hole from the spider's fangs in her right foot, which became infected with cellulitis.
In 2015 Alex Beer, 32, was hospitalised for ten days after his arm ballooned to twice the normal size and was covered in blisters when he had a severe reaction to a false widow bite.
HANDLING THE BITE Here's what to do if you get nipped by one of the creatures
The first thing you should do is wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection - and don't scratch, as if you break the skin there's more chance for bacteria to get in.
Cover bites with a plaster and apply an antihistamine sting cream to calm any inflammation or itching, says Stuart Hine, from the Natural History Museum's identification and advisory service.
Any redness, pain or swelling should subside after three days.
Be alert to potential signs of infection, such as weeping blisters or painful swelling, that continue to get worse after a few days.
If this happens, seek advice from your GP.
The injuries resembled third degree burns and shockingly the poisonous venom almost gave him kidney failure.
Rob Simpson, of pest controllers Basis Prompt, says simple precautions can be taken.
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"Spiders will have fewer places to hide if you keep clutter to a minimum, so I would say keep your house tidy and vacuum regularly.
"You can spray dark corners of the home with pesticides and there's an old wives tale about placing conkers on window sills, but I'm not sure that works."
Homeowners or businesses keen to rid themselves of a spider infestation are being urged to seek professional advice.
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