UK Homes Infested with Spiders as Mating Season Arrives

Autumn has brought a surge of spiders into homes across the UK, with homeowners taking to social media to share their concerns. Videos circulating online show large arachnids and ceilings covered in dozens of tiny spiders, prompting questions about how to deal with the invasion.

Experts from Which? explain that the increased presence of spiders is primarily due to their mating season, which occurs in autumn. While it might seem like spiders are entering homes to escape the cold, this is not the main reason. The UK is home to over 650 species of spider, though only a few are considered harmful to humans. Common species found in homes include large house spiders, common house spiders, and cellar spiders, alongside others like missing-sector orb weavers and garden spiders. The noble false widow, known for its potentially painful bite, is also present.

While bites can occur and may require medical attention, the likelihood of being bitten is low, according to Niall Gallagher of the British Pest Control Association. He advises against handling spiders or trapping them against the skin. Some popular home remedies, such as placing conkers on windowsills or using peppermint sprays, lack scientific evidence for deterring spiders. While a 2018 study suggested mint oil might repel some species, its effectiveness in homemade sprays is not guaranteed.

To make homes less appealing to spiders, experts recommend decluttering and regular vacuuming. Sealing gaps and cracks around pipes, walls, windows, and doors is also advised. Keeping insect populations in check can also help, as insects are a food source for spiders. Maintaining clean kitchen surfaces, storing food in sealed containers, and regularly emptying bins can deter insects, thereby reducing the spider population.

Additionally, trimming outdoor vegetation that touches exterior walls or windows can prevent spiders from gaining easy access to homes.

For those who encounter a spider indoors, a humane removal method involves using a glass or container and a stiff piece of card. The container should be placed over the spider, and the card slowly slid underneath to capture it without trapping its legs. The card should be held against the opening while the spider is carried outside.