Giant spiders with chew ‘like wasp sting’ to invade UK properties – here is what to do

Expect some eight-legged house guests in the coming weeks as experts warn giant false widow spiders are set to invade UK homes for mating season.

The balmy and damp summer created ideal breeding grounds for this kind of deadly black widow spider. Though their bite won’t off you, the venom is known to deliver painful burns and swelling, even a fever in some cases.

The spiders can be recognised by their brown-red bodies adorned with white markings. Typically, they begin showing up around early September, with their home invasion lasting until mid-October.

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Post this period, you’re less likely to encounter them indoors. Female species stick to one spot all their lives, while male spiders roam around.

During the mating season, these wandering males search for mates, often ending up in our homes – explaining why you might spot more of them in the next two months, reports the Mirror.

Over 650 different spider species inhabit the UK all can bite, but only 12 pose a risk to us. The British Pest Control Association previously cautioned against contact with False Black Widow spiders but asked not to panic if one is found at home.

These spiders aren’t eager to pick a fight, but accidental contact may invite a bite. As per a BPCA spokeswoman: “Requests for False Widow pest control call-outs tend to peak in October.”

“The spiders increase in numbers during warmer months, but in late summer and autumn, they may become particularly conspicuous as the males wander more extensively in search of a mate. False Widow spiders are not aggressive and will not launch an unprovoked attack on people.”

False Widow webs, usually situated at least 1.5m off the ground, are a messy tangle of threads with a silk tube in one corner leading into a crevice where the spider hides during the day. These webs are commonly found around window and door frames, as well as in eaves, porches and conservatories.

False Widows are venomous, and their bites have been likened to wasp stings. However, problems arising from spider bites are more likely due to secondary infection rather than the bite itself.

The BPCA’s online guide to False Widows provides advice on how to identify them and what action to take if you spot one in your home.

The BCPA further advised: “If you’re concerned about spiders in your home, seek advice from a pest management professional. You can remove a spider from your home by putting a small carton or glass over it and sliding a piece of card between the opening and the surface. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove spiders and their webs if you don’t want to get too close!”

How can I keep spiders out?

If you’re keen to keep these eight-legged creatures at bay, there are several strategies you can use to deter them from invading your home.

Avoid clutter.

Spiders are known to favour dark, damp and cluttered spaces, so keeping a clean house can help keep them at bay. Regular hoovering and dusting, as well as storing items in plastic-lid boxes instead of cardboard, can stop these critters from gaining access.

Let the sunshine in.

Avoid leaving your blinds or curtains shut during the day or for long periods when you’re out, as spiders prefer the dark.

Try essential oils.

Spiders ‘smell’ with their legs, so strong scents can deter them from leaving their hideouts. Essential oils such as tea tree, rose, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, citronella, lavender and eucalyptus can be effective – just make sure you spray corners, window sills and skirting boards, and top up regularly.

Draw chalk lines.

Spiders taste with their feet and they don’t like chalk, so drawing a line around window sills, your bed, or doorways, will put them off crossing.

Seal any gaps.

Fill in any small cracks in walls, floors and ceilings that spiders could use to get in. Keep plants away from your home.

Don’t let vegetation grow too close to your property as spiders will take shelter in them. Leaf litter and accumulating wood piles also provide perfect spider hiding spots, so ensure to keep your outdoor area neat.

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