The number of false widow spiders is rocketing, with more than 30 million crawling around the UK.
Just three years ago there were estimated to be only half that many.
The spiders – the most venomous in Britain – are mostly found in the south of England although there have been some spotted in Scotland.
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Pest control boss Paul Cooper, of London Network for Pest Solutions, said: “In the last few weeks we have noticed a considerable increase in the number of callouts to deal with false widow spiders, including infestations at a number of schools.
“The last thing we want to do is scare-monger but people need to be on the look-out for them so they can be removed as soon as possible.”
A noble false widow spider carries a toxin- and serine-based venom which is similar to their black widow counterparts.
The pain is similar to a wasp or bee sting when bit by a noble false widow, however, it can lead to complications such as fever, face flushing, tiredness, and swelling at the site of contact.
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