Warning of greater risk of False Widow Spiders indoors as temperatures drop

The risk of encountering a False Widow Spider in your home will increase as temperatures fall, the National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland has warned. 

It says the risks is particularly great around windows and in conservatories.

The false widow is established in most counties in Ireland and is the most common urban spider.

It's tolerance to cold temperatures, activity throughout the year and a 5 year life span make it competitive against native Irish spiders, according to the National Poisons Information Centre. It can produce 1,000 offspring annually.

In contrast native spiders are inactive during colder months, have shorter life spans and produce fewer offspring.

Most false widows are a brownish in colour with paler markings and a bulbous body. The venom of the false widow is more potent than that of native spiders. It shares two-thirds of it's venom toxin with that of a true Black Widow.

If you are bitten, the severity of the bite will depend on the spider and the sensitivity of the individual.

Pain, redness and swelling at the area of the bite are common.

Nausea, vomiting, headache, hot and cold flushes sometimes occur.

Necrosis and bacterial infection have rarely been reported.

However, a bite from false widow is not fatal.

If you have been bitten, the National Poisons Information Centre, Ireland advises: 

Gently wash the affected area with soap and water.

Apply topical antiseptic.

Apply a cold pack to the site.

Contact the NPIC, GP or pharmacist if pain persists or swelling develops.

Seek medical attention for bites on or around the eye.

Seek urgent medical advice if vomiting, radiating pain or hot and cold flushes develop.

Contact your GP if an infection develops.

However, the good news is that False Widows do not randomly bite.

It's venom is a complex resource and is usually reserved for prey, rather than humans. 

Further information is available from the National Poisons Information Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; 01-8092166 or on their Facebook page