Four schools in the London Borough of Newham have been forced to close after they were invaded by False Widow Spiders.
Two primary schools and two secondary schools, all within a two-mile radius of each other, have been evacuated so that the invasion of the spiders can be treated 'before the eggs start hatching'.
The pupils are facing a whole month out of school while pest control moves in to remove the deadly spiders..
False Widow Spiders are the UK's most poisonous type, and are dark-coloured and range from 9.5 to 14 mm in size.
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Although named because of its physical similarity to the killer black widow spider, the species' bites rarely cause death but can be very painful.
Symptoms include severe pain radiating from the bite and a fever - but they could be fatal if a young and vulnerable child was bitten in an especially sensitive location
Rokeby School, Ellen Wilkinson School, Lister Community School and Star Primary are currently all closed with Rokeby due to stay closed until the 29th October.
All of the head teachers wrote to parents informing them of the infestation and how they plan to deal with the spiders.
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Headteacher at Star Primary, Lisle Von Buchenroder, wrote to parents and said,:"I am writing to update you regarding the current school closure.
"It was with much regret that I had to make the decision to close the school yesterday as the safety and well-being of pupils and staff is always our number one priority.
"I was made aware of an infestation of noble false black widow spiders which was discovered during a routine check by Newham's Environmental Team.
"They believe that the infestation is contained to the outside of the building and that this needs to be treated immediately before the eggs start hatching.
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"I want to reassure all members of our community that these are precautionary measures and that we are very lucky to have found out in time to take action to remove them.
"After speaking to the Environmental Team this morning, I do regretfully have to inform you that I am advised the school treatment plan will happen in two phases, starting tomorrow.
"We will update you next week as to when we expect the school to reopen."
A spokesperson for Newham council said: "The spiders only bite if mishandled or provoked. The venom is not particularly potent.
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"The schools are being treated and fumigated and we are working with the schools to ensure that children can continue to receive an education whilst their school is closed.
"Pupils are being set work via the schools and will remain in contact with schools.
"We are asking all our schools and nurseries to proactively check their premises carefully for these spiders and if they see any signs, then contact environmental health or pest control."
Featured Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons/Stu's Images