Summary
Reports in England show an increase in hospital visits due to spider bites over the years. The rise in noble false widow spiders, believed to be the most dangerous breeding species in the UK, is seen as a main reason. Despite their growing numbers, these spiders are not aggressive, and their bites rarely cause serious harm.
Key Facts
- The number of hospital admissions in England linked to spider bites increased to 100 in 2025, up from 47 in 2015.
- Noble false widow spiders, which have been in England since 1879, are believed to be behind the rise in bites.
- These spiders are more active in southern England and are recognized by a skull-shaped pattern on their bodies.
- The false widows are not aggressive and rarely cause serious illness or death, but their bites can lead to pain and swelling.
- Experts say the increase in hospital cases may be due to more false widows and better awareness of spider bites by doctors.
- Media coverage might also influence people to report spider bites more often.
- The neurotoxin from noble false widow bites can cause local pain and swelling but is not dangerous, according to experts.
- There are no documented cases of death or severe illness directly from a noble false widow bite.
