Hospital Admissions for Spider Bites Increase in England Over Past Decade

Hospital admissions in England related to spider bites have increased over the past decade, according to NHS data obtained through a freedom of information request by the Press Association. In 2025, there were 100 such admissions, up from 47 in 2015. The rise coincides with the expansion of the noble false widow spider population in the UK.

The noble false widow, or Steatoda nobilis, originates from Madeira and the Canary Islands and was first recorded in southern England in 1879. These spiders feature distinctive pale markings on their bodies, often described as skull-shaped, and build tangled webs suspended above the ground.

They commonly inhabit areas near houses, such as kitchens and conservatories, and measure between 7 and 14 millimeters in length.

NHS figures indicate 43 admissions for spider bites in 2021, rising to 95 in 2022. Admissions stood at 91 in both 2023 and 2024. Of the 100 admissions in 2025, 73 occurred through the A&E department, compared to 38 out of 47 in 2015.

Expert Attribution to Spider Population Growth Experts point to the sharp increase in noble false widow spiders as a primary factor in the rise of hospital admissions.

The species has become more abundant, particularly in southern Britain, leading to more incidents of bites. A zoologist noted that the spiders prefer living in and around houses rather than natural habitats in the UK and Ireland. The charity Buglife states that noble false widow spiders are not aggressive and there are no records of them causing serious illness or death.

Bites can cause pain and swelling in rare cases. Female noble false widows are described as sluggish and unlikely to bite unless provoked. Increased media coverage of the spiders may also contribute to higher reporting rates, as some individuals seek treatment for bites that might stem from other causes.

Greater awareness among doctors and the growing UK population could further explain the trend.

Symptoms and Treatment Recommendations Spider bites typically leave small puncture marks on the skin, resulting in pain, redness, and swelling.

In extreme cases, the noble false widow's toxin can cause nausea. Buglife reports that the bite does not lead to gangrene-like infections, which arise from secondary bacterial sources such as dirty hands contacting wounds.