Spider season is officially here! As temperatures drop and autumn begins, so does the spider mating season, causing them to emerge from the corners and crevices of our home as they seek out a mate in late August to September. But, before we reveal how to get rid of spiders, there are a few things that you should know about these eight-legged house invaders.

Spiders aren’t insects

Spiders aren’t actually insects; they’re part of a group called arachnids, which all have eight legs, two body segments and an ability to strike fear into the hearts of many! There are approximately 650 species of spiders in the UK and some of the most common spiders in the UK include: common house spider, labyrinth spider, false widow spider, money spider and cellar spiders (a.k.a daddy longlegs).

Spiders are nature’s pest controllers

Spiders are predators and most species eat insects – either live prey, or prey that they’ve recently killed. The most common choice of weapon? A spider’s web. Web-building spiders weave incredible constructions made from silvery silk which trap insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and clothes moths.

Most spiders are harmless

The majority of spiders found in the UK are not dangerous. Although some spiders might bite if provoked, most spider bites will not cause a reaction or have a significant effect on people. The bite of a tiny number of species, such as the false widow and yellow sac spider which are both rare, may be painful and cause swelling, redness and in extreme cases, vomiting and nausea.

However, despite being largely harmless, spiders are the root of one of the most prevalent phobias in the world – arachnophobia, which can cause significant distress for its sufferers.

How to get rid of spiders

As most spiders don’t pose a danger to people, the best advice is to simply leave them alone or to catch them using the glass-and-piece-of-paper-method, before releasing outside. However, for many people with a fear of spiders, this isn’t an option! And, despite not being dangerous, spiders can be a nuisance, especially if they breed and multiply. Spiders can attach egg sacs containing hundreds – or thousands – of eggs to furniture or somewhere in your home, which will eventually hatch into hundreds of baby spiders.

Many homeowners would prefer not to share their space with spiders, and there are some home remedies which have been proven to deter the odd spider or three.

• Spray the corners and crevices with a mixture of water and peppermint, a mixture of water and lavender or a mixture of water and eucalyptus oil
• Patch up any cracks, holes or gaps to stop spiders from sneaking in
• Declutter regularly and keep your house clean to minimise hiding spaces

However, if you have a serious spider infestation, these home remedies might not work as effectively as you’d like them to. To give you the peace of mind that you won’t have spiders scuttling across your walls and floors, it’s worth calling in the professionals. Armed with the appropriate equipment, specialist insecticides and skills, pest controllers offer a range of suitable solutions for treatment.

Find out more about how we can help you to get rid of spiders in your home here, or just get in touch with us: 0208 430 4133 or email info@LNpestsolutions.com

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