Spider season is well and truly upon us now, so it's time to get clued up about which species could cause harm.

Most spiders do nothing more than give us a fright by appearing in the shower or scuttling across the living room floor.

But one species that is making its way into our homes can cause harm to humans.

False widow spiders can bite and their venom could be harmful for you and your family.

So here's how to spot the species and what to do if you're bitten by one:

What are false widow spiders?

The fearsome false widow spider is often mistaken for its much more dangerous distant cousin, the black widow.

The noble false widow is the most venomous of the three types of false widow species found in and around British homes, reports The Express.

The spider’s venom causes localised pain, minor swelling and, in extreme cases, nausea. If the bite becomes infected, it can lead to a gangrene-like infection.

It is believed that the false widow was first imported to Britain in bunches of bananas from its native homelands of Madeira and the Canary Islands.

The first sighting of a noble false widow was in 1879 in Torquay but the species has since spread across southern England.

False widow spiders have now started to spread further northward.

How can you spot a false widow spider?

Noble false widow spiders have brown shiny abdomens and a distributive white marking, which some people have compared to a skull.

The females range in size from 8.5mm to 14mm long while the males are just 7mm to 10mm long, according to the British Arachnological Society.

Other false widow species, nicknamed ‘cupboard spiders’ and ‘rabbit hutch spiders’, are smaller in size and much more harmless.

False widow spiders could cause harm to humans.

Look out for noble false widow spiders in dark corners of your house and window frames as well as in your garden and shed.

Spiders tend to lurk in toilets, kitchens, lofts and conservatories, but prefer warm rooms where windows are often left open - like bedrooms.

Their messy tangled webs are very large and are made of strong spider silk that is not sticky to the touch.

Noble false widow spiders are usually found between July and November. Spider season begins in the autumn as male spiders hunt for a mate and venture indoors.

What should you do if the spider bites you?

Noble false widow bites feel very much like a wasp sting. But you can recognise a spider bite because their fangs leave little puncture marks.

If you are bitten by a spider, wash the area with soap and water then use a bite spray or antiseptic cream to prevent infection.

There is no need to panic or rush to the doctor’s straight away. But if the swelling gets worse or the bite becomes infected, seek medical help immediately.

NHS Choices health website says that spiders usually only give a “nasty nip” if they are roughly handled or get caught in your clothes.

It adds that false widow spiders “are the main culprits and typically give bites that cause pain, redness and swelling”.