Are there Black Widow Spiders in Christchurch NZ?

Recently more people have been asking if there are black widow spiders in Christchurch, New Zealand. 

Our customers are reporting back to us on this topic,  with one account highlighted below.

Good News…and Not Quite as Good

…Here’s the good news: Technically the traditional black widow spider is NOT currently found in Christchurch, NZ. (The type of spider in the photo above is NOT found in New Zealand.)

But unfortunately a close relative known as the “Noble False Widow Spider” is here in the Christchurch areas. It does bite, and it definitely can be considered dangerous.

The Noble False Widow Spider: A New Arrival to New Zealand

The Noble False Widow Spider has recently made headlines in New Zealand following its discovery in multiple regions, marking its first recorded appearance in the country.

Originally from the Canary Islands—a group of islands located near southern Europe and North Africa—this spider has shown a remarkable ability to adapt and spread across various global regions, including the UK, California, Chile…and now, New Zealand.

One variation of the Noble False Widow (male on left, female on right). [Steatoda nobilis image by Alvesgaspar licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0]

Geographic Spread and Current Locations in New Zealand

Since its initial discovery in New Zealand, the Noble False Widow has been identified in several urban areas, including Christchurch, Wellington, Nelson, Northland, and Waikato.

Its adaptability to urban environments indicates that it may soon spread to other areas. This poses potential risks to local biodiversity and public health, not the least of which are you, your family, and your beloved pets.

Health Concerns and Symptoms

The Noble False Widow Spider shares a lineage with the more notorious true widow spiders found in Australia. Both species possess similar toxins that can cause discomfort upon contact. Mild symptoms from bites include:

• Swelling
• Redness
• Pain

However, some cases have reported more severe reactions, which can lead to complications such as:

• Tissue necrosis: the breakdown of body tissue
• Nausea
• Hypotension: extremely low blood pressure
• Impaired mobility
• Secondary bacterial infections, which may be resistant to standard antibiotics

Patients bitten by this spider might require antibiotics to address potential infections transferred through the bite.

Here are the screenshots of the photos he sent. A rough experience, even with the use of anitbiotics!

Stay Alert!

With its new presence in New Zealand, the Noble False Widow Spider represents an interesting yet concerning addition to the local ecosystem. As urban environments provide suitable habitats for their proliferation, vigilance is essential for residents in affected areas.

Understanding the potential symptoms and risks associated with bites from this spider can help in managing the situation effectively.

For those who encounter this spider, it’s advisable to seek prompt medical attention, particularly if symptoms escalate.

Continued monitoring and research will also be essential to gauge the spider’s impact on New Zealand’s biodiversity and public health moving forward.

Treat Your Property!

It is not always easy to determine what type of spiders are lurking in your house, shed, or garden.

Best to play it safe and get a professional company to rid your property of a wide range of spiders.

Give Spiderban a call today and book the highest quality pest control services in Christchurch and the surrounding area.

…Also, if you think you’ve spotted a black widow, or more accurately, a Noble False Widwow, take a picture of it and post it to iNaturalist.org.

Book a Spider Treatment in the Christchurch Area Today