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False Black Widow
The False Black Widow 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. The venom can cause illness in children. In adults, although bites cause discomfort, there are no records of serious symptoms. This species is capable of adapting to the British climate and there are reports of it becoming established along the south coast and in Essex.

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. The abdomen of the immature female has pale chevron markings on the dorsal surface and a white band around the anterior, but these diminish with each moult until the adult abdomen is black except for the band, now turned red. (taken from BPCA A-Z of Pests)

How to get rid of False Widow Spiders:
Where spiders require controlling, this is usually achieved by physical collection and web destruction. If this isn’t possible control may be achieved by the removal of prey. This may involve the use of insecticidal sprays to control prey and/or predator.

We do not offer treatments for False Black Widow Spiders, however, we are happy to offer advice via email.