An inspect expert has revealed that the unusually rainy weather could put homes at risk of a poisonous spider invasion this summer….CONTINUE READING...CONTINUE READING
Clive Boase, who has over 30 years of pest control experience in the UK, has warned Brits to brace themselves for a surge in false widow spider sightings following a surge in windy and rainy weather.
The insect – also known as a steatoda nobilis – is an eight-legged spider with a venomous bite.
Their abdomens are usually oval-shaped and brown in appearance, with distinctive cream markings and reddish-orange legs. They range from around 9.5mm to 14mm in size.
Speaking to The Sun, Clive said the insects look for somewhere warm to lay their eggs before going into hibernation – and the recent rain is driving them indoors prematurely.
He explained: ‘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.’
According to the pest control expert, the troublesome insects are often found in domestic and commercial properties.
He said: ‘They love conservatories and toilet blocks, window frames, porches, lofts and garages and they like to live beneath kitchen appliances and cupboards.’
They are known to enjoy a varied diet – mostly of whatever is available, including woodlice, flies, centipedes, wasps and bees.
However, the spiders retain the unique ability to prey on animals significantly larger in size, such as on two occasions in July 2021, when bats living in a north Shropshire attic were found entangled
on the species’ web.
The first bat was dead and completely immobilized with its limbs pinned tightly to the torso with silk. It was slightly shriveled and discolored from the spider feeding off the remains.
A second, much larger adult bat was also captured and entangled in the web, but as it was still alive, the bat was rescued from the web and released.
Although their venom isn’t always poisonous to humans, the spiders are capable of inflicting a very painful bite – which the expert says is similar to that of a bee or a wasp sting.
False widows do not feed on humans, but they are capable of inflicting a very painful bite. Although their venom is not particularly potent, their bites may feel sore and similar to that of a bee or a wasp sting (Stock image)
On rare occasions, their bites can cause significant harm as their venom triggers reactions similar to those seen with true black widow bites.
Severe symptoms can include pain, swelling, nausea, tremors, altered blood pressure, impaired mobility and in rare cases minor wounds and even bacteria infections.
In April 2017, mother-of-five Gemma Hunter had to have her foot amputated after being bitten by a false widow
while she was watching over her son in hospital.
Meanwhile, Alex Beer, from Rochester, Kent, suffered agonising pus-filled blisters after a false widow spider bit his arm.
If you find yourself bitten by a false widow, ensure you wash the bite with soap and water and apply a cool compress to the site of the affected area.
If symptoms persist for more than a few days, you are advised to contact your doctor.
TOP SEVEN WAYS TO KEEP THE SPIDER MENACE AT BAY
1. Peppermint oil, or anything which is strong scented. Add 15 to 20 drops in a spray bottle full of water and squirt it around the home.
2. Fill a spray bottle with half white vinegar and half water and spray round the house. Vinegar will burn the spider’s body and is very effective at killing them.
3. Tidy up – piles of wood cuttings, leaves or grass are perfect hiding places for spiders – and the next obvious step is your home. Trim plants and shrubs next to exterior walls.
4. Spiders are said to hate anything citrus, so try lighting a Citronella candle.
5. Less clutter means fewer hiding spaces for spiders.
6. Spiders – and the insects they eat – are attracted to light, so it makes sense to turn them off if you can.
7. Get a cat. Cats love running after spiders and their excellent eye sight can hunt them down.
If You Get Bitten…
The first thing you should do is wash the area thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection.
Avoid scratching your arm as if you break the skin there is more chance of bacteria seeping in.
Cover the bite(s) with a plaster antihistamine sting cream to calm any inflammation or itching.
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.
If you spot the spiders in your home, there are a number of ways to spot them and get rid of them.
Clive added: ‘They are generally shy creatures and won’t come out into the open.’
The expert recommended sweeping and vacuuming the floors regularly.
What’s more, Clive highlighted how less clutter means fewer hiding spaces for spiders.
On top of this, spraying water mixed with peppermint oil is also said to deter the insects….CONTINUE READING
