Ongoing research into an increasingly common spider species has found it can deliver bites that may require hospital treatment.
Scientists at NUI Galway have spent a number of years examining the Noble False Widow spider.
They say most bites happen around the home, with the vast majority occurring when victims are in bed or have spiders trapped in their clothing.
The species originated in the Canary Islands and Madeira but has been spreading worldwide in the last two decades. In parts of Ireland and the UK, it is now one of the most common spiders found in urban settings.
Venomous bites are reportedly becoming more prevalent, with victims usually experiencing intense pain and swelling for a few days. In some cases, malaise and persistent stiffness in limbs is reported.
Last year, researchers discovered that 111 toxins, out of 140 found in the Noble False Widow spiders’ venom, were common to those found in Black widows.