Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock/Therealjoco

Ireland's most venomous spider is on the increase and is heading indoors out of the cold

Maybe check that bed before you jump in!

THE MOST VENOMOUS spider in Ireland has had a population boom and may try to get into your home this winter as the weather cools.

Experts are predicting an increase in the number of sightings of the false widow spider for the coming weeks.

The spider has increased in numbers after a warm and wet summer, but they’re now heading indoors as temperatures drop.

Dave Clark, who looks after the spiders at London Zoo, told Sky News:

What’s happening is they have reached their maximum size, they are ready to breed, they want to find each other so they accidentally come inside houses.

The false widow spider is the most venomous of the 660 species of spider in the UK and Ireland.

But don’t panic too much, experts say they present no more risk to humans than bees or wasps.

Read: Have you seen a false widow spider where you live?>

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
65 Comments
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.
    JournalTv
    News in 60 seconds