%20(3).png)
A new eight legged visitor has arrived in Aotearoa, and it’s causing quite a stir. The Noble False Widow originally from the Canary Islands and Madeira has officially established itself in New Zealand. Often mistaken for its far more dangerous cousin, the black widow, this spider is quickly becoming one of the most talked about pests in the country.
The Noble False Widow is a medium sized spider with a glossy, bulbous body and long, slender legs. Females are typically around 8–14 mm in length, with dark brown to purplish colouring and pale, sometimes skull like markings on the abdomen. Males are smaller and often roam more actively in search of mates.
It belongs to the Steatoda genus, the same family as cobweb spiders, and is a master at building messy, irregular webs in quiet corners. Most of the time, it prefers to stay hidden in its web, coming out at night to hunt.
This spider’s rise to fame isn’t new. It’s already spread across Europe, parts of the United States, and the UK, where it has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most successful invasive spiders. And now, it’s here.
While the Noble False Widow isn’t the world’s deadliest arachnid, it does bring several concerns with its arrival.
Firstly, it’s invasive, meaning it doesn’t belong here. Its spread in New Zealand threatens to out-compete native spider species and disrupt local ecosystems. Studies overseas have shown that the Noble False Widow preys on a wide variety of insects and even small vertebrates, which can reduce biodiversity in the areas it colonises.
Secondly, there’s the health risk. The venom of this species is similar to that of the true black widow, though generally less potent. Most bites result in mild to moderate symptoms, including pain, swelling, and redness, similar to a bee sting. However, there have been isolated cases where bites caused more severe reactions, such as nausea, muscle stiffness, or infections some linked to antibiotic resistant bacteria carried on the spider’s fangs.
Finally, the public fear factor can’t be ignored. The Noble False Widow looks intimidating, and reports from overseas have fuelled anxiety around its presence. While the risk of being bitten remains low, awareness and caution are essential as this species continues to establish itself across the country.
This spider is what scientists call synanthropic, meaning it thrives in and around human environments. You’re unlikely to find it deep in the bush; it much prefers the warmth and shelter of our buildings and backyards.
Typical hiding spots include dark, sheltered areas where they can spin their sticky webs undisturbed. Outdoors, they often live under garden furniture, plant pots, fences, or eaves. They also like sheds, garages, and piles of clutter, anywhere that stays dry and provides shelter from the wind.
Indoors, Noble False Widows may set up in seldom used rooms, window corners, behind skirting boards, or inside storage boxes. At night, males sometimes wander across exterior walls or paths, particularly during the warmer months.
As the species continues to spread throughout the North and South Islands, it’s likely we’ll start seeing them in more urban and suburban areas especially where conditions are mild and coastal.
There’s no need to panic but it’s smart to stay proactive. Here’s how homeowners can reduce the chances of a Noble False Widow taking up residence.
Inspection checklist:
Prevention tips:
When to call a professional:
Pest control technicians are trained to identify and safely remove infestations while ensuring minimal disruption to your household and native wildlife.
At Southern Pest Control, we understand that seeing a strange spider around your home can be unnerving, especially one with a reputation like the Noble False Widow. Our spider control service is designed to give you peace of mind while ensuring effective, lasting results.
We start with a comprehensive inspection of your property, focusing on typical hiding areas such as outdoor furniture, garages, fences, and sheltered corners. Once we confirm the presence of Noble False Widows, we use targeted treatments applying approved, residual insecticides to cracks, crevices, and outdoor structures. We also remove existing webs and egg sacs to break the breeding cycle.
Our technicians take the time to educate homeowners on preventive steps, such as sealing entry points, reducing clutter, and keeping outdoor spaces tidy. Every treatment comes with a follow up inspection to ensure long term success, and we stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee.
We’re committed to protecting homes, families, and local ecosystems, because pest management isn’t just about removing what you can see. It’s about keeping your environment safe and balanced.
The arrival of the Noble False Widow marks a new challenge for pest management in New Zealand. It’s not a cause for alarm, but it’s certainly something every homeowner should be aware of. By staying informed and taking simple precautions, you can help prevent this invasive species from becoming an unwanted houseguest.
If you suspect you’ve seen a Noble False Widow, or simply want reassurance that your home is spider free get in touch with us today!
Call Jack at 0273179933.