False Black Widow Spiders

The False Black Widow spider is one species that has been accidentally imported into the United Kingdom. It is native to the South West Mediterranean, including Spain, Portugal and the Canary Islands. Although related to the Black Widow, it is a less venomous spider. It is not a particularly aggressive spider, but it can bite. This species can adapt to the British climate and there are reports of it becoming established along the South Coast.

The female False Black Widow is of similar appearance to the Black Widow, a relatively small spider, the female body length being 10-15mm, the male only 3-6mm. The False Black Widow are shiny black and globular like the Black Widow, but they lack the characteristic red double triangle or hourglass marking.

Treatment

Urban Pest Control can offer different treatment methods depending on the size of infestation. An insecticide ULV fogging machine or smoke generator can be applied to voids such as lofts whilst a residual insecticide spray may be applied around windows, ceilings and walls. The insecticide lasts for up to 3 months and the spiders will absorb the insecticide as they walk over it. All treatments carried out adhere to COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Heath) Regulations 2002.

Guarantee

One treatment is often enough to deal with the main infestation and drastically reduce numbers, however with ‘new’ spiders constantly entering it is not always possible to completely eradicate all spiders. Because of this, it is recommended that a premises should be treated twice a year during autumn and winter due to life cycles.