Where are you likely to find a false widow?

The false black widow is found in the coastal states of the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific regions. It is a common spider in homes and other structures.


Where do you find false widows?

Although largely found in the south of England, sightings of the noble false widow spider are continuing to come from further afield. Climate change and warmer winters are likely to be contributing to this. It is not necessary to report any sightings of the noble false widow spider to us.

Where are false widows found in England?

Widespread and common in Britain and northern Europe. They mainly live in and around sheds, pet houses and clutter in gardens, but sometimes on tree trunks.


How common is the false widow?

False widow spiders often appear in news stories about spider bites, typically in early autumn. However, confirmed cases of false widow bites are rare. Only the two larger species of false widow, the cupboard spider and the noble false widow, are likely to be able to bite through human skin at all.

What attracts false widow spiders?

Female false widow spiders disseminate pheromone from their webs to attract males and deposit contact pheromone components on their webs that induce courtship by the males once they arrive.


Trinity's Collie Ennis tell us about the False Widow Spider



Should I be scared of false widow spider?

Although false widows do have a venomous bite, the venom is not particularly potent. Usually the only symptom is pain at the site which may radiate away from the bite. It ordinarily lasts between one and 12 hours, and rarely for more than 24 hours. Often, the symptoms are no worse than the pain of a wasp sting.

Where do false widow spiders live in the house?

“There are half-a-dozen different species of the false widow and they can survive both indoors and outdoors. “They love conservatories and toilet blocks, window frames, porches, lofts and garages and they like to live beneath kitchen appliances and cupboards.

Can I hoover up a false widow?

You can do this by using a vacuum or other device that will suck up the webs. You can also use insecticidal sprays to control the spiders and their prey. Note: Spiders are beneficial, so we advise on restricting the use of lethal methods when possible. Normally, this is sufficient to deter false widows.


Can false widows jump?

Females of the Noble false-widow spider are notably sluggish, ponderous, solitary and non-aggressive, they will never run or jump at you in an aggressive manner as some people have described.

How long do false widows live?

The life cycle lasts for approximately 1-2 years, with the female living longer than the male. Mature and reproductive male spiders are found in summer and autumn, mature females can be found all year round and egg sacks are laid from spring through to autumn.

Can false widows hurt you?

Usually the only symptom from a bite is pain at the site ordinarily lasting between one and 12 hours - rarely for more than 24 hours. Experts say being bitten by one can feel like a wasp sting. The false widow is related to one of the world's deadliest spider species, the black widow, but are not as dangerous.


What to do if you're bitten by a false widow?

What should I do if I am bitten?
  1. Wash the bite with soap and water.
  2. Apply a cool compress/ice-pack (care not to cause a cold burn; don't leave on for more than a few minutes at a time)
  3. If possible apply a bite spray or insect stick.


Do false widow spiders bite dogs?

The spider, believed to be a false widow or similar, sank its fangs into black Labrador Bonnie while she was out for a walk. The 15-month-old needed emergency treatment after her face swelled up and one of her eyes was forced shut.

Do false widows come out during the day?

“False widow spiders are nocturnal, and prefer to be hidden away in dark cracks close to their web, rarely venturing out during the day. “They can be identified by their brown bulbous abdomens with pale markings, and the females can grow up to 15mm.”


What is the deadliest spider in the UK?

False widows are considered to be the most venomous type of spider in the UK.

Are false widows usually alone?

The false widow spider is nocturnal, meaning it rarely ventures out during the day, and prefers to be hidden away in cracks close to its web. Generally they are solitary, preferring a dry warm environment where they will not be disturbed.

How common are false widow spiders in the UK?

False widow spiders, a species that arrived in the UK as a stowaway from the Canary Islands, are hardly a new pest. In fact, they've been around for over a century, but numbers have increased to the point where they've become a problem nationwide.


How long can a false widow live without food?

They can go several months without feeding, provided they have access to water. A well-fed female can lay three or more egg sacs each year.

Are false widows invasive?

It is originally from the Canary Islands and Madeira. In England it has been reported mostly in southern counties, but its range was reported to be expanding northwards in the 21st century. In 2011, the spider was reported as an established invasive species in the USA, in Ventura County, California.

What do false widow webs look like?

You can recognise the webs of false widow spiders as a tangle of criss-cross scaffold threads, which may become dense in the centre. Noble false widows are found in houses and their numbers have been reported as increasing across the country in recent decades.


Can false widow spiders hurt cats?

False widow spiders are not known to cause a specific issue to cats. If bitten, like with people, there is the possibility of pain, swelling, redness and even effects such as vomiting or a fever.

When should I worry about a false widow spider bite?

If you think you've been bitten by a false widow spider, and experience dramatic swelling or see any pus coming from the bite, call 111 as it could be a sign of infection.

How many babies do false widows have?

These spiders mate in the spring, and the females can produce three or more egg sacs, or cocoons, from May through July. Each sac can contain 200 or more cream-colored eggs. Although the males can live for up to 18 months, they die shortly after mating.


Should false widows be killed?

The bite from Steatado Nobilis - the most poisonous of the false widow spiders is similar to that of a bee sting. Our first recommendation to anyone finding these spiders is not to panic and if concerned by there presence; kill them on sight.

Are spiders scared of humans?

Generally, spiders want to avoid humans and will only bite as a defense mechanism if they are provoked. Many are extraordinary at hiding or camouflaging themselves because they don't want to be seen.