The truth about those long legged visitors in the corners of your bathroom.

You’re standing at the sink brushing your teeth late at night, glance down towards the skirting board, and there it is.

A spider, harassing you as it struts across your tiles like it is paying rent.

Cue the usual shudder, a whispered swear word, or possibly sprint off somewhere to find something to trap it in.

But the real and honest question is: Are house spiders really dangerous?

At Pestpatrol, we receive hundreds of calls from worried Londoners unsure if they have seen a harmless eight-legged visitor or something worse.

Some people are indifferent and can live and let live, other people want answers, and they want them now.

Therefore, in this piece, we intend to give everything to you straight and without any fuss- the spiders you may find in your home, if they are dangerous, and when you might need to pick up the phone.

So, what is considered a “house spider”?

Let us begin with the basics.

Not every spider that cavities inside your abodes are considered true house spiders.

However, there are some species that tend to be at home in British buildings, particularly in and around London, where warmth and food sources are in abundance.

Some usual suspects include:

• Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica)
• Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum)
• Cellar Spider (usually called Daddy Long Legs, but not to be confused with crane flies)
• False Widow Spider (Steatoda nobilis)

These are the spiders most likely to be found behind your fridge, in your bathtub, or weaving webs in corners you’ve never even touched.

The Truth About Spider Bites

So let’s deal a moment with the elephant in the room: Do spiders bite?

The answer is yes—but it’s still extremely rare.

When spiders do bite, they usually feel cornered, or trapped against skin (usually in clothing or bedsheets)

Most of the time, house spiders in the UK cannot pierce human flesh, and if they do, it is not more painful than a nettle sting , and may likely cause redness and mild irritation but serious reactions are virtually unknown.

Except for one…

The False Widow: Do I need to worry?

The False Widow (specifically Steatoda nobilis) is where most spider scares originate from these days.

Often misreported in the press as the UK version Black Widow, this spider does possess venom—but before you panic, let’s put this in context.

When bites do happen, the symptoms are usually mild: local swelling, little pain, and perhaps some nausea.

Serious complications are extremely rare, and typically only for individuals with existing health problems or allergies.

At Pestpatrol, we recommend you refrain from spider hunting unless you are absolutely sure what you are dealing with.

If you think you have a False Widow or just don’t want to share your home with unwanted arachnids, give us a call!

We can help you deal with it in a safe way.

Why Are They in My House?

This is a typical question; it’s not personal— they aren’t targeting you, your pets or your snacks.

Spiders will mostly enter into a home for any of the following 3 reasons:

• Warmth and shelter: usually late summer and autumn months, males can be found coming indoors for a mate.
• Food supply: your home may serve as a buffet of small insects and flies for spider’s supper.
• Moisture: bathrooms, kitchens and basements are top locations for a spider web.

Are House Spiders Dangerous for Pets?

As a general thing, no.

Generally, your cat or dog will never run into a harmful spider. Most house spiders do not have venom that will harm a pet. Pets skin is tougher than ours anyway.

However, sometimes a cat may get bitten on the paw if they corner a False Widow in defence (but usually, the cats reaction is minor).

If your pet does seem to be having a strong allergic reaction to something, it is worth a quick call the vet— just in case!

But that is the exception rather than the norm.

What Should I Do if I Don’t Want Spiders?

Arachnophobia is likely one of the most common fears in Britain and we get that.

Many people simply don’t want spiders around, even if they are harmless.

If you do not like them sharing your space then please consider the following steps:

• Seal off any gaps or entry points around doors, windows and skirting boards as these are allways an access point for spider entry.
• Keep your home in a good state of sanitation with little clutter, especially in areas that would not be visited regularly.
• Reduce other pests (like flies) which are sustenance for spiders. Pestpatrol can help with this.
• Use a spider repellent and there are natural alternatives such as peppermint oil, which works for some but not all.

If you have more than an occasional spider then call the experts, pest patrol, or if you just want reassurance.

Spiders can be surprisingly persistent and DIY doesn’t always work.

Pestpatrol can make a difference, we know the local conditions and how to keep your London home free of spiders without turning it into a chemical wasteland.

The real risk… Misinformation

One of the biggest threats to house spiders is not the spider but the panic that can ensue.

False information on social media is rife with fake pictures, exaggerated stories and well intended but simply incorrect advice.

False Widows get blamed for all kinds of skin conditions, most of which have nothing to do with spiders.

A rule of thumb is if you put your hand on a spider and the spider goes that’s a good thing, because if you didn’t see the spider bite you it probably wasn’t a spider!

If you spot any unusual spiders in your home or were concerned with the increasing amount you’re starting to see you shouldn’t have to check Reddit, you can simply check with someone who knows.

Pestpatrol can help identify species, inspect your problem area and provide you with an appropriate, suitable, bespoke resolution for your home.

Final Thoughts: Should You Really Be Concerned?

The short answer to the question that you want answering is no.

House spiders in the UK do not present any harm or danger to humans or pets in any meaningful way.

They do not conspire, they do not chase you and they are not going to ruin your night by biting you.

They are in your space however, and you have every right to feel uneasy about a home being compromised by eight legged lodgers, you do not have to allow spiders to continue to share your residence or tolerate them alone.

Need Spider Control in London?

If you have had enough of crawling unwanted visitors call Pestpatrol.

We already have helped hundreds of homes in London with spider prevention, removal, and long-term pest solutions.

It may be one rather suspicious specimen, or you may see webs dancing in every corner of your house, but we can help you immediately, quickly, and safely.

Please go to our Spider Pest Control page to book now, or find out more.

Still concerned about what is hiding under your bed?
Let Pestpatrol check your home under bed conditions; you have nothing to fear.