Do spiders bite in britain (as a welt on my arm says yes, but my coworkers say no)?

Answer 1

Don't believe the hype!
ALL spiders bite.

Answer 2

Spiders can bite, which is different from saying they do bite. They won't target you and bite you for fun, but if they are threatened (or think they are) they will bite to survive.
Usually the bite is less aggravating than an ants's bite, so you might be allergeric, as someone else pointed out.
I am in constant contact with spiders, but have been bitten only once. One got into the inside of my bathrobe sleeve when I was taking a bath. I didn't know and slipped it on. I felt a sharp pinch and the spider tumbled out to freedom. There wasn't any noticeable mark, certainly not a welt. Not even any pain or itching after that initial pinch.
It is really a good idea to give everything, including shoes and slippers, a good shake before putting it on!

Answer 3

I always thought that they didn't after years of handling spiders of any size. Recently, a woman was bitten (she accidentally squashed it) and had an allergic reaction that became very serious. I have been hearing reports of spider bites on pets that are attributed to new species being imported from abroad but surviving in the UK (could just be an urban myth). In general, they don't seem to, even though some apparently have the capabilities. I have heard of many people keeping pet tarantulas and saying that they are friendly and can be handled.

Answer 4

All spiders can bite but most spiders in Britain are too dinky and small to pierce human skin. Also, you have to really antagonise them to get them to bite. Please don't!

There is one spider, the woodlouse spider or Dysdera crocota if you want to look it up on the internet, that has very powerful fangs that can pierce human skin. These tend only to live in dark damp places where you would find their food, the woodlouse. In very rare circumstances they will bite but again, you really have to antagonise them. Most will run away from humans like the clappers if they can help it.

Point to note: None are deadly or dangerous to humans in Britain. A localised welt may be experienced but it should clear up in a day or two. Take an anti histamine to ease itching.

Answer 5

Yea there is one spider in Britain that bites cant remember what it called, my son was bitten couple of months ago my dad looked it up on the Internet

Answer 6

Yes - spiders do bite! Most, however, do not have the capability to break the skin, as their fangs are not big enough. I guess that if you are allergic to their venom you may have some kind of reaction, though.

The common house spider is quite venomous, but mostly harmless due to the above.

Answer 7

yes they do - but usually it would have to be quite big to break the skin. I've been bitten by spiders here a couple of times - their bites aren't dangerous but some people can take allergic reactions to them.

Answer 8

Yes spiders do bite! Most are not deadly but all have a posionous vemon, you may be allergic to the speices that bite, you might want to take some tablets for allergies.

Answer 9

My missus was bitten the other day so went to the doctor and he says that spider bites are much more common nowadays.
Wasp spider he recons.

Answer 10

yes they do ihave been bitten several times by spiders and i tend to have a bad reaction to it. i swell up for a few days and have to take antihistamine tablets to combat the reaction. Most spiders cant break the skin but guess i have thin skin or they just have big fangs!!!

Answer 11

The common garden spider, or cross spider, does bite. My wife can contest to how much they hurt as well.