Autumn is the time we see spiders return to our homes to escape cooling temperatures - and it is also mating season for the eight-legged critters.
While they play an important environmental role in controlling fly populations, some people just can't bear the thought of having spiders in their households.
Rather than kill them, there are several more peaceful ways you can keep spiders from entering your home, according to pest control experts.
While most found in the UK are not harmful to humans, there are certain spiders that can bite if provoked. False widow spiders are just one type of the species that can give you a nasty nip.
Paul Blackhurst, Head of the Technical Training Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, explained that these spiders mimic the most deadliest in the world but are not fatal to humans.
He said: "Some spider species can be more harmful than others, as they can retaliate if they feel attacked, but are not fatal to humans.
"False widow spiders are a group of species that resemble the notorious black widow spider, and were accidentally imported to the UK about 150 years ago, with increased sightings in recent years as they adapt to our temperate climate," Paul said.
"These spiders will only bite humans if they are provoked, with bites usually only causing a temporary pain and swelling at a similar intensity to a wasp sting.
“False widow spiders are nocturnal, and prefer to be hidden away in dark cracks close to their web, rarely venturing out during the day. They can be identified by their brown bulbous abdomens with pale markings, and the females can grow up to 15mm.
The pest control expert explained that homeowners will start seeing more spiders in their homes during autumn due to the mating season.
“September usually marks the beginning of mating season for spiders, leading to increased sightings across the UK as males leave their webs in the search for a breeding partner," Paul said.
“This means that many spiders will potentially make their way into properties and homes through open windows, under doors and through gaps in buildings."
However, Paul added that while spiders seem to enter homes in droves this time of year, what we see is actually only a small fraction of the hundreds currently in the UK.
He said: “In the UK there are around 650 species of arachnids, yet we can expect to see less than a dozen of these in our homes. Whilst many people fear them, most species that are found in the UK are not dangerous, and spiders are actually beneficial to our environment, providing a natural form of pest control, as they feed on insect pests such as flies, ants, beetles and moths.
“The most common species found in UK homes are the Lesser House Spider, which can grow to 17–20mm long, and the Giant House Spider, which can reach 25mm once they enter sexual maturity and if they have had access to lots of food. It is important to note that both of these species are extremely reluctant to bite, preferring to escape and hide."
“Spiders are able to squeeze themselves through tiny gaps and holes, making it nearly impossible to completely protect your house against them, but closing doors and windows, and filling holes will help to keep them at bay.
“As with most pests, the best way to control spiders is to limit their food source. This includes clearing away any dead flies, or any other small, crawling insects.
Here are Rentokil Pest Control’s five top tips to make your home as unwelcome as possible to spiders, as reported by Hull Live News.
1.Vacuum regularly – high and low
Make sure that you hoover the sheltered spots too, such as beneath worktops and behind cupboards and sofas.
2. Remove noticeable webs
This should be done on a regular basis, remembering to check the corners of the ceiling, picture frames and mirrors.
3. Fill gaps
Where possible, make sure that you fill in the gaps between walls, pipework and under the doors.
4. Remove sheltering sites
Spiders will look to tuck themselves away in your firewood piles, garden bags and any compost heaps that you have. Try and also store these items away from the house perimeter walls.
5. Deter all insects
As insects are drawn to light, and with flies and moths being ideal spider prey, it is advisable not to leave lights on unnecessarily.
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