The NHS have released data showing that in 2025 there were 100 admissions to English hospitals due to “contact with or from the toxic effect of spiders”.This is up from 47 in 2015, with much of this being attributed to the “false widow spider”.We in Ireland have also seen an uptick in the presence of this venomous spider in recent years…So, is there any reason to worry?Joining Ciara to discuss is Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer with Trinity College Dublin.

The NHS have released data showing that in 2025 there were 100 admissions to English hospitals due to “contact with or from the toxic effect of spiders”. This is up from 47 in 2015, with much of this being attributed to the “false widow spider”. We in Ireland have also seen an uptick in the presence of this venomous spider in recent years… So, is there any reason to worry? Joining Ciara to discuss is Collie Ennis, Biodiversity Officer with Trinity College Dublin.

Rise in “false widow spider” bites - should we be worried?

The Hard Shoulder Podcast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman is your essential drivetime companion—bringing fresh perspective and energy to your drive home. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="http://newstalk.com/listenlive">http://newstalk.com/listenlive</a>&nbsp;| Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk

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The Hard Shoulder Podcast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman is your essential drivetime companion—bringing fresh perspective and energy to your drive home. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainment Listen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk

The Hard Shoulder Podcast with Ciara Kelly and Shane Colman is your essential drivetime companion—bringing fresh perspective and energy to your drive home. CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at&nbsp;<a href="http://newstalk.com/listenlive" rel="noopener noreferrer">http://newstalk.com/listenlive</a>&nbsp;| Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk

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Rise in “false widow spider” bites - should we be worried?

Rise in “false widow spider” bites - should we be worried?

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