If you’re buying bananas this month, you might want to give them a good shake before eating. While it’s not common, it’s not unheard of for bananas to harbor unexpected hitchhikers. The tropical climate where bananas are grown, coupled with the fact that farmers don’t use pesticides due to the banana’s protective skin, creates an environment where creepy crawlies can find a way into your fruit bowl.
The National Centre for Reptile Welfare (NCRW) warns that spiders and other invertebrates, even small lizards and amphibians, can occasionally be found in bunches of bananas. These stowaways are unlikely to be native UK species and could be much more dangerous foreign arachnids.
While the chances of encountering a harmful creature are slim, the NCRW stresses the importance of exercising caution. If you discover a spider or other animal, DO NOT TOUCH IT. Instead, place the bananas in a plastic bag or container with a secure lid. Contact the NCRW for advice on what to do next, as reporting such findings is a legal requirement under the Animal Welfare Act.
Even if you don’t spot a live spider, you might find an egg sac or cocoon, which looks like a white fluffy blob. You can safely remove these eggs but must place them in a bag and freeze them for 24 hours to kill them.
While the media often sensationalizes these incidents, claiming that the spiders are Brazilian Wandering Spiders, this is extremely rare. Nonetheless, the NCRW advises against taking any risks and being aware of the possibility.
