Top News

It feels like we only just got over spider season, and now the era of eight-legged invaders is returning for UK households again.

While normally a phenomenon associated with the onset of autumn, there is also a second wave of spiders every springtime in UK households, and this recent warm weather has brought the arachnids back out in force.

According to pest control service Contego Response, spring brings a resurgence of spiders. It says: "As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, many of us in the UK begin to notice an uptick in the number of house spiders scuttling across our floors and walls.

While it's widely recognised that "spider season" peaks in autumn, it's not uncommon to encounter these eight-legged visitors during spring.

"During winter, many spiders enter a state of reduced activity or seek secluded spots to lay dormancy while it's too cold to be outside. With the arrival of spring, they become more active, leading to increased encounters within your space.

"Some spider species may have laid eggs in hidden corners of our properties during the previous seasons. As temperatures rise, these eggs hatch, leading to a sudden increase in the spider population indoors.

"Warmer weather also means an increase in other household pests like flies and ants. Spiders follow their food sources, so an abundance of prey can draw them into our spaces."

If you're not keen on seeing more spiders at home (is anyone?), there are some things you can do.

Firstly, seal up any entry points, like cracks, gaps and openings around windows and doors.

Regularly clean, including hoovering and removing clutter, and, use a natural item like peppermint oil or tea tree oil and pop it on a windowsill or skirting board.

However, Contego adds in its guidance, spiders are actually a good thing for your home because they target other pests.

It adds: "While scary looking spiders actually play a crucial role in the ecosystem-essentially making them nature's own pest control experts. These hunters help keep the population of insects like flies, mosquitoes, aphids, and even crop-damaging pests in check.

"What attracts spiders is the endless bugs that turn up as the weather warms up. Without spiders, we'd see a massive boom in insect numbers, which could affect agriculture, spread more disease, and throw the natural balance off completely. It's estimated that spiders collectively eat hundreds of millions of insects every year worldwide. So, while they might not pay rent, the pest control service they provide is priceless."