Finding out you’ve been bitten by a spider in the UK can be worrying. Although serious cases are rare, the thought of a spider bite is enough to make most people feel uneasy. You might notice a small red mark, some swelling, or even a sharp sting at the time of the bite. The good news is that most spider bites in Britain are mild and clear up with simple care at home.
That said, knowing what to do straight away makes a big difference. The right first aid steps can ease discomfort, prevent infection, and give you peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know: which spiders in the UK can bite, how to recognise a bite, the best treatments, when to see a doctor, and how to prevent bites happening in the first place.
Which spiders in the UK can bite?
Spiders in the UK aren’t usually aggressive, and most don’t have fangs strong enough to pierce human skin. But there are a handful of species that can bite if they feel threatened. The most notable is the false widow spider (Steatoda nobilis). These spiders are often confused with black widows, but they are far less dangerous. Still, their bite can cause local pain, swelling, and sometimes a reaction that needs medical attention.
Other UK spiders that can occasionally bite include:
- Woodlouse spider: reddish in colour with strong jaws, often found under logs and stones. Its bite can be painful but usually short-lived.
- Tube web spider: dark-bodied, often found in walls or garden crevices. Bites can cause sharp pain and redness.
- Orb weavers: common in gardens; they rarely bite, but if they do, the reaction is mild.
Most house spiders, including the large “daddy long-legs” or common cellar spiders, don’t bite at all. If you’ve been bitten, it’s far more likely from a false widow than any other species in the UK.
What does a spider bite look like?
At first glance, a spider bite can be hard to tell apart from an insect sting. Both often cause redness, swelling, and mild pain. But there are a few clues that can suggest it’s from a spider.
- Two small puncture marks: spider bites sometimes leave two close dots where the fangs pierced the skin.
- Localised swelling: bites often swell in a small, round area.
- Redness and warmth: the area may feel slightly hot to the touch.
- Itching or discomfort: similar to a mosquito bite, though often sharper in sensation.
In most cases, bites stay mild and improve within a few days. But in some people, especially if allergic or sensitive, swelling and pain may become more noticeable.
What should you do immediately after a spider bite?
The first few minutes after a bite are important. Quick action can reduce discomfort and lower the risk of infection. Here’s what you should do:
- Stay calm: most UK spider bites are harmless. Panic can make the situation feel worse than it is.
- Clean the bite: wash the area gently with soap and warm water to remove dirt and reduce infection risk.
- Apply a cold compress: place a cool, damp cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel on the bite for 10 minutes to ease pain and swelling.
- Keep the area elevated: if the bite is on your arm or leg, raising it can help reduce swelling.
- Avoid scratching: scratching can break the skin further and invite infection.
By taking these steps straight away, you’ll likely prevent the bite from becoming more than a minor irritation.
What home treatments can help?
After the initial care, you may still have some swelling, itching, or pain. There are several ways you can ease these symptoms at home.
- Over-the-counter creams: hydrocortisone cream helps reduce redness and itching.
- Antihistamines: tablets like loratadine or cetirizine can ease allergic-style swelling or itching.
- Pain relief: paracetamol or ibuprofen can help if the bite is sore.
- Natural remedies: aloe vera gel cools the skin and reduces inflammation, while tea tree oil has mild antiseptic properties. Honey can also soothe the skin and protect against infection.
- Cold packs: applying cold for 10–15 minutes a few times a day keeps swelling under control.
Most bites improve with this kind of simple treatment, often within two to five days.
When should you see a doctor?
Although most bites heal on their own, it’s important to recognise when medical help is needed. You should seek advice if you notice:
- Rapidly spreading redness around the bite
- Severe swelling or intense pain
- Signs of infection (pus, warmth, fever)
- Allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, dizziness, widespread rash)
- Symptoms that don’t improve after a week
In rare cases, false widow bites can cause more serious reactions such as chest pain or flu-like symptoms. If that happens, don’t wait — get urgent medical attention.
What about false widow bites?
False widow spiders are the UK’s most talked-about biters. They’re not deadly, but their bite can be unpleasant. Typical symptoms include local pain, swelling, and in some cases a burning sensation. Some people report nausea, fatigue, or headaches after being bitten.
If you suspect a false widow bite:
- Follow the same first aid steps (clean, cool, elevate).
- Take over-the-counter painkillers if needed.
- Watch for worsening symptoms over the next 24 hours.
- Seek medical help if swelling spreads, the pain becomes severe, or you develop systemic symptoms like fever or dizziness.
False widow bites tend to heal within a week, though some may take longer.
Can children and pets be affected differently?
Children and pets are often more sensitive to bites because of their smaller body size. A bite that seems mild in an adult can have a stronger effect in a child. If your child is bitten, clean the wound, apply a cold compress, and monitor them closely. Seek medical help sooner rather than later if swelling increases quickly or if they seem unwell.
Pets, particularly cats and dogs, may also react strongly to spider bites. If you notice swelling, limping, or unusual behaviour after a suspected bite, a vet visit is wise.
How can you prevent spider bites in the UK?
Since prevention is easier than treatment, a few simple habits reduce your risk of being bitten:
- Shake out shoes and clothing that have been left in garages, sheds, or lofts.
- Keep beds away from walls and clear of clutter where spiders might hide.
- Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and under furniture.
- Seal cracks and gaps around windows, doors, and skirting boards.
- Deal with spider nests promptly before eggs hatch.
- Use natural repellents like peppermint oil or vinegar spray in problem areas.
These steps make your home less appealing to spiders and reduce the chance of accidental contact.
Frequently asked questions
Can a spider bite be fatal in the UK?
No. There are no native UK spiders with venom strong enough to be fatal. False widow bites can be painful, but deaths have never been recorded.
How long does a spider bite take to heal?
Most heal within two to five days. Some may take up to a week or more, especially if the bite becomes irritated.
Do I need antibiotics?
Not usually. Antibiotics are only needed if the bite becomes infected, which is rare if cleaned properly.
Can I treat a spider bite at home?
Yes. The majority can be managed with simple first aid and over-the-counter remedies.
How do I know if it’s really a spider bite?
It’s hard to be sure without seeing the spider. But if you notice two small puncture marks and swelling, it’s a likely sign.
Our Final Say!
Being bitten by a spider in the UK isn’t common, and most bites are mild. But when it does happen, knowing what to do makes all the difference. Cleaning the bite, cooling it, and avoiding scratching usually keeps symptoms under control. Over-the-counter treatments can ease pain and itching, and in most cases, you’ll see improvement within a few days.
The important part is recognising when medical help is needed. If swelling spreads, pain increases, or you feel unwell, don’t ignore it. False widow bites in particular can sometimes need attention from a doctor.
Preventing bites is often as simple as keeping spaces clean, reducing clutter, and staying alert when handling items stored in sheds, lofts, or garages. With a little care, you can reduce your chances of being bitten and deal with it calmly if it ever happens.
Pest Control Woburn – Pest Control Silsoe – Pest Control Brickhill
