19/10/2026
FALSE WIDOW SPIDER
With temperatures set to drop, the risk of encountering a FALSE WIDOW SPIDER in your home will increase, particularly around windows and in conservatories. 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. It can produce 1000 offsprings annually. In contrast native spiders are inactive during colder months, have shorter life spans and produce fewer offsprings.
THE NEED TO KNOW
Most false widows are a brownish 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.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN 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.
🔴 A bite from false widow is NOT fatal.
WHAT TO DO WHEN BITTEN
✅ 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 & cold flushes develop.
✅ Contact your GP if an infection develops.
THE GOOD NEWS
🟢 False widows do not randomly bite.
🟢 It's venom is a complex resource and is usually reserved for prey, rather than humans
National Poisons Information Centre, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; 01-8092166
