Spider Scare

Increase in sightings of the false widow spider.

the tab the tab exeter

False widow spiders have been invading city homes across Exeter for the past few weeks, with experts saying that climate change is the cause of their migration and larger numbers.

The spiders, which are the UK’s most venomous, are about 15mm long and have brown abdomens with pale markings.

They can be found on curtains, in sheds and around the garden, but only tend to bite when trapped.

Symptoms of a bite may include pain and localised swelling. The bite is similar to that of a wasp or bee sting – for most people it’s painful but harmless. However, it can be serious for those with a related allergy or with a particularly low immune system.

Mr Edworthy, Exeter’s exotic pet expert, said: “I am not exactly sure how long they have been in Britain but it is quite a long time, maybe 100 years or more, and they are not particularly unusual.

“If you can it is best to leave them alone. They can bite and I still have the scar on my leg from where one bit me three years ago.”