A WORRIED mum-of-two was forced to call in pest control experts after notorious false widow spiders infested her children’s playroom.

When Kelly Moseley attempted to get rid of the spiders herself they ended up biting and seriously injuring her dog.

So she decided to take no more chances and called experts to her home in Hillbourne Road, Poole.

Kelly spotted one or two of the spiders in her conservatory this summer but was unaware of the risks so was not concerned.

But when she recently took down her curtains to wash them she discovered dozens of the tiny spiders hidden in the creases.

Spiders were also found in a rug on the floor.

“I had just seen some stories about the spiders being dangerous so I got a spray and tried to get rid of them” she said.

“A lot of them fell to the floor and my dog was bitten about four times and ended up at the vet.”

The dog, four-year-old husky Mia, had to be sedated but has since made a full recovery.

Kelly said she is just grateful that it wasn’t her children, three-year-old Sonny and Kaiya, one, who were bitten.

“My dog had four puncture wounds on her tummy and was really poorly – that could just have easily been one of the children.

“I had no idea they were dangerous so now I have warned my neighbours to be careful.”

Professor Simon Thomas of the National Poisons Information Service has issued health advice.

He said: “We would recommend that anyone who believes they might have been bitten by a False Widow spider should dial NHS 111 for advice. Severe toxicity from such bites is very rare but there are steps that can be taken to manage the symptoms if you’ve been bitten.

“Gently wash the affected area with soap and water, cold packs and simple oral painkillers may be useful if bites are painful – but if symptoms don't respond to these measures, there is severe swelling or the bite is in or around the eyes, do seek medical attention.”

 

Fangs can pierce skin

Markings: Cream pattern on its abdomen
Fangs: Can pierce skin and cause pain similar to a bee sting
Size: 7-14mm
Seen: All year round
Habitat: Mainly houses and outbuildings
UK location: Mainly in the south, particularly Dorset and Hampshire