Help. Black Widow Spiders found in my flat (UK)?

Question

Hi. I been traveling to America a lot over the past few years and I think I must have accidentally bought back a pregnant Black Widow Spider with me that must have been hiding in my suitcase.

Today I have been cleaning out my cupboard and have found around 7 Black Widow Spiders. 

I know it sounds crazy, I know a Black Widow Spider when I see one, I have even checked out images of Black Widow Spiders online and they look exactly the same.

I'm kinda worried because If I was to get bitten by one of these I could die within 30 minutes and I very much doubt the NHS at the emergency room will take me seriously that I have been bitten by a Black Widow spider until its to late, not to mention having an anti venom. 

What do I do?

Who can I contact?

I think I might have more?

Thanks

Gary Crant · Accepted Answer

Contact your local Council to investigate
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/about-us/news/2007/may/news_11767.html

unruh · Answer

Black Widow Found In Uk

daniel g · Answer

First, I really have to question these are black widows. The false widows are not uncommon in the UK, and the only way you can tell them apart, is the red hourglass pattern on the bottom of the abdomen.
No, you won't die from a black widow bite, and no spider on earth can kill a human in 30 minutes, that only happens in movies. 
It may not be a pleasant experience, but no one has died from one in over 40 years.
The spider is not going to bite you anyway unless you trap one against the skin, or go poking fingers around in their web.
I will still bet these are the Steatoda nobilis. From the top, they look just like black widows, that is why they are called false widows, but they are a harmless spider.
In any event, if these are not welcome in your home,(I just ignore them) you can use a vacuum and clean them out of the cupboards. (black widows don't like cupboards, they prefer the open)
Another reason the Steatoda is nicknamed the cupboard spider.

Dru21 · Answer

I'm not sure who you could contact out in the UK but I know that the black widows only bite with their back feet, so don't get near them. They jump as well... so don't tempt them. Where I live, (LA area) we are basically infested with them. But we don't ever hear about any deaths from them. As long as you get the right medical attention if you are bit, you'll be fine. Find some spider kill spray at Asda and spray em down with that and keep spraying them down with that. Just drown them in that. Next thing you know they'll shrivel up and stomp on them. That's the best advice I could give you ... coming from a guy who has done it numerous of times... good luck!

Anonymous · Answer

Are you sure they are not false widow spiders? they r common in uk this year

Banned · Answer

Move out

georgina · Answer

call your local vets or animal shelter for help people will always help others xxdo not try to get rid of then on your own they will just hide xx

Graham Taft · Answer

i find a big boot on there head is quite effective

macastle07 · Answer

maybe you can have your place fumigated by a pest control company.

Anonymous · Answer

If u see em, KILL EM

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Help. Black Widow Spiders found in my flat (UK)?

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