Warning issued over false widow spiders as temperatures drop across NI
Have you noticed a serious amount of insects lately? 😲 🕷
The National Poisons Information Centre has issued a warning over false widow spiders in Ireland.
With temperatures set to drop, the risk of encountering a false widow in the home will increase particularly around windows and in conservatories.
Though traditionally viewed as non-deadly, in parts of Ireland and the UK, it is now one of the most common spiders found in urban areas.
Research has found the species is actually capable of producing many of the same deadly toxins found in real Black widow venom.
The name 'false widow' refers to its appearance, strikingly similar to 'true' black widows with their characteristically dark, shiny, bulbous abdomen.
In fact, the false widow shares two thirds of its venom toxin with the true black widow spider.
In a post on social media, the Poisons Information Centre share important information if a bite were to occur.
It read: "The false widow is established in most counties in Ireland. It 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."
If you have been bitten by a false widow spider, the Centre suggests you "gently wash the affected area with soap and water", and to "apply a cold pack to the site".
"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."
They continue: "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 and/or hot/cold flushes develop."
The good news is that they don't just randomly bite, the Centre confirmed that "it’s venom is a complex resource and is usually reserved for prey, rather than humans."
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