False Widow Spider Nest

Connor Stebbing and Brad White, two teenagers from Laindon, found a nest of Britain’s most venomous false widows – in their electricity meter box!

If you don't know, false widows are a type of venomous spiders, known as the most venomous spiders in the UK. Venemous false widows were discovered in the meter box at Connor’s and Brad’s home, in Elizabeth Way, Laindon. Connor, 17, who is a trainee waiter said, “It is worrying. We honestly don’t know what to do with them, or how to go about getting rid of them. We discovered them the other night when we pulled up on the drive, the headlights shone on the porch showing 3 spiders just hanging there.”

“They didn’t look like any normal spiders you would see around a house, so we went to take a look at them,” says Brad, 18. “I read the newspapers when they were talking about these spiders, called ‘the false widow’. We then managed to trap one in a glass and went to search them up on the internet. We saw it had the same white markings. They’re horrible.”

It is believed that the false widow spider arrived in England back in the 1870s. They are one type of six hundred and forty species of spiders which can be found in the UK and bite humans. No victim has resulted in death from being bit by the false widow, although, they tend to suffer extremely bad reactions to the spiders’ venomous bite.

False widows and false widow spider nests have recently shown up in several parts of Essex, Rowhedge, Kent and Burnham. They hit the headlines in Essex and nationally after Ricki Whitmore, a painter and decorator, nearly lost a leg after being bitten by one in Romford. Despite Basildon Council no longer having a pest control department, a council spokesman has urged anyone that finds what appears to be a false widow in their home, to ask for help from a pest control company. Insect Information Service manager, Stuart Hine said, “We have received more than 60 calls this year from members of the public informing us that the false widow is in their home or gardens.”

False widow spiders, such as the Steatoda nobilis, are known to create webs in various locations, including sheltered outdoor areas like sheds, garages, or meter boxes.

If you suspect the presence of spiders in your meter box or any other area around your home, here are some general steps you can take:

1. Safety First:

   • Exercise caution when dealing with spiders. While false widow spiders are not considered highly dangerous, it's essential to take necessary precautions, such as wearing gloves and protective clothing.

2. Inspect the Area:

   • Carefully inspect the meter box and surrounding areas for spider webs, egg sacs, or spiders themselves. Look for dark, tangled webs that are characteristic of false widow spiders.

3. Use a Flashlight:

   • If the meter box is in a dimly lit area, use a flashlight to illuminate the space and check for any signs of spider activity.

4. Clear Debris:

   • Remove any clutter, debris, or cobwebs from the meter box. Spiders may be attracted to these areas, so keeping the space clean can discourage them from establishing nests.

5. Seal Entry Points:

   • Check for any cracks, gaps, or openings in the meter box that could serve as entry points for spiders. Seal these openings to prevent spiders from entering.

6. Natural Repellents:

   • Consider using natural spider repellents, such as citrus peels, vinegar, or essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil. These substances are known to deter spiders.

7. Professional Assistance:

   • If the spider infestation is significant or if you are unsure about dealing with spiders, consider seeking professional pest control assistance. Pest control experts can assess the situation and provide appropriate solutions on how to get rid of a false widow spider nest.

Remember that false widow spiders play a role in controlling other pests, and their presence is not always a cause for concern. However, if you are uncomfortable with spiders in and around your living spaces or if there are safety concerns, taking the steps mentioned above can help manage the situation.