Around 14 of these species have fangs strong enough to pierce a human’s skin, according to BBC Countryfile.
Despite all these dangerous spiders, there is one that is commonly referred to as ‘Britain’s most venomous’ – the noble false widow spider.
Native wild animals in the UK
Britain’s most venomous spider – the noble false widow
Three species of false widow spiders are very similar, according to The Wildlife Trusts, all of which you will find in and around your home:
- Rabbit hutch spider (Steatoda bipunctata)
- Cupboard spider (Steatoda grossa)
- Noble false widow spider (Steatoda nobilis)
The noble false widow is the largest of the three, with females growing up to 14mm in body length (10mm for males).
This spider species has dark brown legs and front section of its body, while its abdomen can vary with patterns of cream and dark brown marks (sometimes described as skull-shaped).
Noble false widow spiders are usually located in and around your home. (Image: Getty Images)
Are noble false widow spiders dangerous?
“False widow spiders are often the subject of unflattering headlines, but in reality, they’re unlikely to bite humans,” The Wildlife Trusts said.
“Confirmed cases of false widow bites are rare.
“The spiders are not aggressive towards people, and generally don’t bite unless roughly handled; most recorded bites occur because of people accidentally touching a spider which then reacts defensively.”
A noble false widow spider bite has been described as similar to a wasp sting.
Symptoms of a noble false widow spider bite
Symptoms of a noble false widow spider bite, according to Gravesham Borough Council, include:
- A throbbing pain
- Swelling
- Tingling in your fingers
In more severe cases may be a result of an allergic reaction or subsequent infection of the wound, the council website added.
The NHS advises calling 999 and asking for an ambulance if you experience any of the following symptoms from a bite (from any spider or insect):
- Lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
- Skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale
- You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- Fainting
- A child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do
If you are bitten by a false widow spider, Gravesham Borough Council advised:
- Preventing infection by cleaning it with an antiseptic wash or soap and water as soon as possible
- Placing a flannel or cloth soaked in cold water over the wound to help reduce swelling
- Avoid scratching the affected area to reduce the risk of infection
Has anyone died from a noble false widow spider bite?
In the past 30 years, there have been several cases where spider bites have become infected, leading to fatal sepsis, BBC Countryfile said.
The wildlife experts added: “In 2014, a woman from Aldershot died of sepsis that the coroner said may have been caused by a spider bite.
“The woman’s daughter found a dead false widow spider on her mother’s keyboard.”
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Where you’ll find noble false widow spiders in the UK
The Wildlife Trusts said: “Noble false widows are not native to the UK, but are thought to have arrived from the Canary Islands in banana boxes in the late 1800s.”
Now, noble false widow spiders are most commonly found in southern England, according to the wildlife experts, and have also begun expanding north.
Noble false widow spiders can be found throughout the year, but are more regularly seen between July and November.
You will most likely find these spiders in and around your home, The Wildlife Trusts added.
