In August, the false widow spider’s mating season is at its peak, thus residents in the UK are being forcefully told to keep their windows closed. Many people say that the false widow is the most dangerous spider in Britain. In late summer, when male spiders leave their webs to hunt for a mate, it gets a lot more active. Because of this activity that happens during certain times of the year, spiders move around more and are more likely to sneak inside homes, especially through open windows, air vents, gaps around doors, and even drainage pipes.
Experts warn that bogus widow bites aren’t usually deadly, but they can be exceedingly painful and cause health problems for certain people. Dr. Tom Elwood, a well-known spider expert in the UK, explains that most bites feel like a wasp sting: sharp, unpleasant, and then itching. He does, however, caution that more and more patients are experiencing serious symptoms, such as swelling, a burning feeling, acute pain, and fever. Several documented medical instances in the UK in the last several years have forced patients to go to the hospital because of serious reactions to bogus widow spider bites. Both health doctors and pest control experts are concerned about these more serious cases.
The noble false widow spider (Steatoda nobilis) comes from the Canary Islands and Madeira. It has existed in the UK since the late 1800s, but climate change and global trade have made it much more widespread in the last 20 years. The spider is thriving well in both cities and the countryside in England, Wales, and portions of Scotland. This is because summers are hotter and winters are milder, which is great for breeding.
False widows prefer it when it’s dry and warm, and they like settings that aren’t too busy. Attics, sheds, under furniture, around window frames, and in the corners of ceilings are all places where you may usually find them. Their webs are irregular and sticky, and they usually make them in locations that are hard to see immediately away. Most of the time, homeowners only find out about an infestation when they encounter a strange spider or get a bad bite that they can’t explain.
Pest control experts and arachnologists say that there are a number of important things you can do to decrease your chances of coming into touch with fake widow spiders. The best thing to do right now is to keep all of your windows closed all the time in August, especially at night and in the evening when the spiders are most active. It’s crucial to keep them out of the house during this brief but busy breeding season.
To keep safe, you should clean window sills and corners often to get rid of webs and egg sacs. You should also patch up small cracks and gaps around the house, especially around vents, pipes, and door frames. Before spending time inside, you can also check sheds or garages. It’s also a good idea to shake off bedding, towels, or garments that have been sitting in spare rooms or storage areas.
You can put insect screens on your windows and vents to let air in and keep spiders out if you’re feeling bad. Essential oils like peppermint, citrus, or tea tree oil can help keep bugs away. You can also use them to keep bugs away by putting them around windows, doors, and baseboards. But these don’t always work.
People don’t think the fake widow is a direct threat to life, especially for healthy individuals, but the spike in sightings and bites has made many people more cautious. Kids, senior individuals, and people with allergies or weak immune systems need to be very careful to avoid bites. If someone gets bitten and has serious symptoms like difficulties breathing, swelling that goes beyond the bite site, or a fever, they should see a doctor straight once.
In short, this late summer is when false widows are most active and spread out. By doing simple things like keeping windows closed, cleaning often, and closing gaps, you can dramatically minimize your chances of finding one of these spiders inside. It’s understandable to be scared of spiders, but the best approach to stay safe and not be surprised during the false widow’s mating season is to know what to expect and be ready.