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The Health, Safety and Wellbeing Office have issued advice to Sussex students and staff on what to do if they spot the false widow spider on campus, following news reports in the last few days about the notorious arachnid.

False widow spiders – not to be confused with the much more venomous black widow spiders – bite only when provoked, but the nasty bite can cause a reaction like that of a bee sting.

Experts say that those who do get bitten may experience chest pains, tingly fingers and swelling.

They advise anybody who has an allergic reaction to seek medical help immediately – otherwise, symptoms normally ease within three days.

Jacqueline Chambers, Acting Head of Health and Safety at Sussex, advises: “Staff should report any pest infestation to their manager and to the EFM helpdesk (on ext 7777).

“And students living in University-managed accommodation should tell their housing manager.

“We would then get a pest-control firm to investigate and treat the infestation as required.”

False widow spiders are no bigger than a 20p piece. They have a dark, shiny body with pale markings and a cream band on their abdomen.