Interactions between venomous spiders and humans have been on the rise in recent times, due in part to a massively increased level of spider reproduction over the last few mild winters.
Poisonous false widow spiders (Steatoda nobilis in Latin) bites have been reported all throughout the country, with a few serious medical incidents happening over the last few months. A bite from one of these spiders can trigger major infections, sometimes leading to limb amputations.
This species of arachnids has a dark, shiny body with pale markings and a cream band on its abdomen. Single specimens do not pose much threat to adults, but may do so for the youngest in the family, or even pets. The real danger derives from colonization of the household by these creatures.
It has been reported that call-outs to pest exterminators have increased by about 30% nationwide to deal with the threat.