False Widow Spider control

Lady Mole Catcher is also qualified to deal with False Widow Spiders. As a professional wildlife management specialist, she has the knowledge and skills to deal with these invasive species, which may cause problems on a property or in public area.

What are False Widow Spiders?

With a body length of 10-15mm (female) and 3-6mm (male), the False Black Widow Spider is shiny black but does not have the red double triangle marking of its more dangerous cousin. It’s believed that Steatoda nobilis was introduced to the UK in the 1880s from the Canary Islands. Spreading north and east since then, it has been spotted as far apart as North Norfolk and South Wales. Two species of False Widow Spider (Steatoda grossa and Steatoda bipunctata) are now widespread across the UK.

How do you know if you have False Widow Spiders on your property?

Commonly found in sheds, porches and homes, it can be difficult to categorically identify a False Widow Spider. It will spin a loose tangle of non-sticky webbing with the addition of a tube of silk leading into a space where it can hide during daylight hours. Usual locations for these webs include window and door frames, eaves, pipes, gutters and outbuildings. Increasing in numbers during the warmer months, by late summer and autumn False Widow Spiders will become more noticeable as the males wander to look for a mate.

There are a few issues to consider if you discover False Widow Spiders on your property or in a public area:

  • It is one of the very few spiders in the UK which can bite
  • It is the only species of spider whose venom can affect humans
  • It is not aggressive and will not attack people unless it is under threat
  • It has a bite which can cause a reaction similar to a wasp sting, although the effects can be longer-lasting and extend beyond the site of the initial puncture wound
  • It is mostly likely to be seen in Autumn, particularly during October
  • A non-native species, it is now more widespread across the UK (probably due to climate change)
Louise Lady Mole Catcher

Louise Chapman BA (Hons) PGCE
Norfolk’s very own Lady Mole Catcher®

Who I work with

  • Householders in their gardens
  • Farmers and Land Agents
  • Outdoor Leisure Facilities
  • Businesses
  • Restaurants and Pubs
  • Schools/Colleges
  • Local Authorities

If you spot a False Widow Spider on your property or in a public area, get in touch with Louise to arrange for a site survey or consultation. Call 01603 25 99 45 or 07876 14 11 53 or email louise@ladymolecatcher.co.uk

After a frustrating three months of mole activity in the garden, which had unhappily thwarted others, I contacted Louise. The very next morning the mole catcher arrived to set the traps. When he checked them the following afternoon, two moles had been caught! I am very impressed by the speedy, professional and, above all, most effective, service provided. Brilliant!

Elizabeth Smith, Harleston

We have used Louise on three occasions for cluster flies and a flea issue at our holiday home. Every time she has provided an excellent service and dealt with the problem very quickly for us.

Holly Rawlings, Trunch

Having found moths in our lounge/dining room carpet I got in touch with Louise.  She came, looked, explained about the damage moths do to carpets and treated all our carpets, both upstairs and down.  She was efficient, very professional and returned twice more to check she had got rid of them. She is very friendly and also very interesting to talk to.  We would not hesitate to recommend her. Thank you Louise!

Richard & Dawn Gooding, Wymondham

One of the joys in my life is the many varieties of birds that come into the garden and use the  bird feeders. Recently Grey Squirrels had become a serious nuisance. They are spiteful not only to each other but to the birds, who became reluctant to use the feeders. I was also concerned that once the birds started laying their eggs they would take those as well.  I contacted Louise, the Lady Mole Catcher and asked for her help. Louise assured me that she would trap the Squirrels humanely, which she did very efficiently. Seven Squirrels later I now have the birds feeding again. I thoroughly recommend Louise she is professional, friendly and very efficient at what she does.

Joanna Merrills, Tasburgh

Louise did an excellent job. She responded quickly to our request and her knowledge and professional approach were exactly what we were looking for. She was able to catch the squirrels that had caused so much damage and do so fitting in around our other commitments. I would certainly recommend.

Sam Nixon, Suton

Louise was dealing with a mole & rat problem we had which she dealt with very efficiently. On her last visit we discovered a wasp nest & Louise did a great job of getting rid of them too! Cannot recommend her too highly!

Barbara Hollis Graves, Thorpe End

Having worked with Louise (Lady Molecatcher) during recent weeks regarding a problem we had with both moles & rats, we then found a wasp nest in our shed. There was nobody else to call but Lady Molecatcher…the wasp nest was dealt with professionalism and knowledge, it was all over in just a few moments. Sorted! We then discovered another two wasp nests in the roof of the house and again Lady Molecatcher arrived the same day we called her and again the situation was dealt with swiftly. We would without any hesitation recommend Louise to deal with any of the above issues you may have. It was a pleasure to come across somebody who can deal with these issues in a professional manner but always with a smile on her face.

Barbara Hollis Graves, Thorpe End

I'd like to thank Louise for solving a Bed Bug problem swiftly. My daughter had arrived home after a school trip and brought with her some unwelcome guests - Bed Bugs! My daughter was bitten and the Doctor confirmed Bed Bugs, which he said probably hitched a ride in my daughter's luggage. Louise came the very day I 'phoned her and took control of the situation. Thank you Louise, what a relief!!

Raymond Watts, Norwich

Louise sorted our first mole problem in just two hours, the second by the next morning. Her professionalism, knowledge and experience of where to position the traps was so accurate, just amazing! We have felt incredibly comfortable working with Louise who is a very friendly and sociable young lady. We would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Louise.

Jules Hyland, Thorpe End

Louise was very prompt and efficient. We had a serious rabbit problem which she has brought under control. She explained what was needed, carried out the work and returned as promised to complete what was started. We would definitely recommend Louise to anyone.

Richard Walton, Swardeston

Rabbits, not moles, were my problem. Lots of them and notice the past tense. Over the years I had tried my methods and different individuals to cure my rabbit problem without luck. My garden over the past two years was devoured by rabbits. Along came Louise and within three weeks the rabbits were gone. Her approach was multifaceted. She arrived when she said she would, kept me informed of progress while I was away by video and persisted until I could confirm there were no more sightings of rabbits. I would recommend her services.

Lynne Gomer, Shotesham

Very professional and quick results. If you have moles in your lawn, call Louise. I will always recommend you! Thank you.

Dolly Payne, Thorpe End
Back To Top
Search