False Widow Spider

The False Widow Spider Steatoda nobilis is Britains most venonomous spider, however – do not be over alarmed at this fact – its bite is little worse than a bee sting. Originally brought over from the Canary Islands some two hundred years ago the False Widow Spider has been creeping northwards after arriving on the south coast and is now known to be present throughout Suffolk and most likely Norfolk too.

The spider takes it name from its look-a-like cousin the deadly Black Widow, in appearance the False Widow has a bulbous abdomen with varying colourations but usually dark brown with lighter brown marbling colours.

Risks

Although this spider can bite, it rarely does. There have only been a handful of occurrences and have usually been as a result of the insect re-acting in self defence. To date no one has suffered more than a swollen hand and a bite mark. Of course, if you are particularly sensitive to wasp/bee stings it would be good advice to keep clear of these fascinating creatures.
Treatment

If you should find one in your home or a even a mother and her tiny babies then a good burst from a insecticidal fly spray should do the trick, alternatively a rolled up news paper is favourite control method for most people!

If you feel uncomfortable with dealing with this species then feel free to call us, we have a variety of treatments to eradicate False Widows from homes and businesses.
Life Cycle

False Widow spiders like most spiders create an egg sack which they sit guard over. The duration from egg to baby spider can take between two and four months. The young spiders disperse and may live over two years (females living longer, as males once adult do not feed). Females will become mature in their second year and begin the process all over.