Hospitals across the country are seeing a concerning surge in patients seeking treatment for spider bites, with experts pointing to the noble false widow as the likely culprit. These eight-legged visitors, originally from the Canary Islands and now established in parts of the UK and Ireland, are increasingly finding their way into homes and gardens, leading to more human encounters.

While not typically deadly, false widow bites can cause significant pain, swelling, and in some cases, severe allergic reactions. Experts urge caution but not panic, recommending that people be aware of their surroundings and take basic precautions when clearing out gardens or accessing seldom-used spaces in homes where these spiders might establish webs.