Spiders to invade Irish homes laying 100 eggs at a time as experts list ways to prevent infestation

Spiders looking for shelter inside Irish homes over the next few weeks could lay 100 eggs at a time.

That's the latest from Ireland's leading pest control provider Rentokill.

There are about 650 species of arachnids in the UK and Ireland but only 8-10 of them are commonly seen in and around our homes.

READ MORE: Zebra, false widow and giant house spiders set to invade Irish homes in coming weeks

While a good few of them are completely harmless, there are some that will cause serious problems if you get bitten, including the dangerous noble false widow spider.

Spider sightings are on the increase due to the change in temperature (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Spiders become more prevalent as they start to move indoors and begin breeding, ahead of the winter months - with Rentokill noting that some species will lay 100 eggs at a time in the right spot.

Luckily, they have also provided some top tips for Irish homeowners who are concerned about finding eight-legged friends scuttling about their house.

Jumping spiders are part of the largest family of spiders in the UK (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Rentokil’s top tips to prevent spider infestations include:

• Vacuum regularly, high and low - particularly sheltered spots such as beneath worktops, backs of cupboards or under/behind large furniture.
• Remove noticeable webs - on a regular basis.
• Fill in gaps - in walls, around pipework and under doors to deter entry.
• Remove sheltering sites - like firewood piles, garden bags, compost piles and general clutter from near your property.
• Deter all insects - use lighting in a way that is less attractive to the insects (flies) that spiders feed on.

Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant with Rentokil Initial, said: "As the warm weather comes to end, you are more likely to see spiders indoors due to a variety factors, including the need to seek food and shelter. Insects, spider’s main food source, also retreat indoors at this time of year, so while the presence of spiders may be unpleasant, they are also providing you with a form of free pest control. House spiders actually have a generally positive impact on a household environment, as they eat other insects.

"However, if their presence is particularly unpleasant for some householders, the most effective way to control spiders is to limit their food sources and disturb potential hiding spots by cleaning."

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