NUIG study finds false widow spider bites could require hospital treatment

Galway Bay fm newsroom - Bites from noble false widow spiders could need hospital treatment.

A study carried out by NUI Galway has found some bite victims experience symptoms very similar to the true black widow spiders.

The research team, from the University's Venom Systems Lab, has established a DNA database to allow clinicians dealing with cases to confirm the species using genetic analysis.

Epidemiology of bites reveals that almost all bites occurred in and around the home, and 88% of bites occurred when the victim was either asleep, in bed or when the spider was trapped in clothing.

The noble false widow is becoming one of the most common spiders in Ireland.