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 HEALTH & SAFETY ALERT Discovery of False Widow Spiders on Site What happened: Whilst carrying out some recent duct and cladding works at the TUCA site at Ilford, operatives spotted the presence of false widow spiders. The false widow is no stranger to our shores and have been present for around 150 years but with the milder climate we are now experiencing in this country their numbers appear to be growing and have been spotted as far North as Scotland Identifying the false widow:



The false widow is a medium sized spider, approximately the size of a 50 pence piece. The body ranges from around 7mm to 15mm in length and the leg span reaches up to 35mm.

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The body and legs have a glossy appearance.

The False Widow Spider with distinctive markings and web

The thorax and legs are a dark / orangey brown colour, unlike the pitch black of the true widow spiders.



The abdomen is fairly bulbous with cream patterning on top. The females are larger than males.



False widows are largely nocturnal, spending the day hidden away in a deep crack or hole adjoining its web.



False widows like dry, relatively warm environments where they are not likely to be disturbed. This inevitably brings them indoors and they are most often seen in sheds or outbuildings.

False widow bites and what to do: Bites generally are no worse than a wasp or bee sting in the majority of cases. If a bite is suspected ;



The first step in treating a false widow spider bite is to wash the area with soap and water. This is to prevent infection which will be infinitely worse than the bite.

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Try and minimise swelling by using a cold compress . Applying a bite spray or antiseptic cream will help prevent infection. The condition of the person should be monitored and if it appears to worsen a trip to A & E may be warranted.

Date: 8th May 2017