Expert warns deadly Black Widow spiders could invade UK
A reptile expert has shared his fears that a deadly spider species could invade the UK.
Chris Newman, director of the National Center for Reptile Welfare, said he was concerned the Black Widow spider could become “established” in this country.
Black Widow spiders are about 1.5 inches long and are identified by the hourglass-shaped red mark on their abdomen.
Because they are found in more temperate parts of the world, they can withstand the colder climate in the UK.
The charity director said his team had recently assembled a shipment of dozens of Australian black widows found at the Dartford Gap. Japan.
Mr Newman said Independent: “Black Widows come from a very wide range of habitats and are already established in Japan, where temperatures are similar to the UK. So there is concern that Black Widow spiders could become an invasive species here.”
It is stated that the poison in the spider’s bite is 15 times stronger than that of the rattlesnake. In humans, bites cause muscle aches, nausea, and diaphragm paralysis, which can make breathing difficult.
“For the average healthy person these are unlikely to be life-threatening” but could be fatal for children and the elderly, Mr. Newman said.
The charity director also expressed concern about the Brazilian Wandering spider, which he said he had seen in a banana parcel for the first time in 30 years.
They are common in South America and can also be very dangerous. Luckily, they can’t “get set out here” because they are used to warmer temperatures.
He said: “Every year we see four or five scary-looking spiders in banana packets, but they are actually harmless.
“The odds of finding a wandering spider in Brazil are extremely remote, but we still have to take it seriously because it’s very dangerous.”
Mr Newman said the Brazilian Wandering spider is normally found at ports of entry and shipping. They recently found one in a shipment of electronic parts, but contrary to popular belief, it is “not usually found in fruit rather than vegetables” and is more likely to be found in “industrial parts” from South America.
“The lesson is: If you’re buying bananas, wash them carefully. Make sure there’s nothing there before you put them on the dinner table,” he said. “I want people to know there’s help out there if they find something they think is dangerous.
“Our hotline operates 24/7. We can quickly determine whether it is harmless or harmful.
“If it’s harmless, we can easily handle it. However, if we determine that the spider is harmful, we can make recommendations on how to keep people safe in the meantime.”
Advising what to do if you are bitten by one of the two deadly spider species, he said: “Don’t try and do any old home remedies. Keep that part of the body still. Try to keep as calm as possible and seek medical help straight away.”
A Defra spokesman said: “We are constantly assessing new risks and threats and are committed to keeping invasive plants and animals away from the UK.
“We advise all travelers to ensure that their clothing, equipment and luggage are free of stowaways who may accidentally introduce invasive species, pests or diseases.”
