Brits told to do one thing to their lights to stop spiders entering the home this mating season

While full-blown arachnophobia is only thought to affect around six percent of Brits, a mild fear or general dislike of spiders is very common. However severe your dislike of spiders is though, it is arguably coming up to the worst time of the year for you.

This is because spiders usually start to migrate indoors in late mid to late August, with their numbers peaking in September. We are also coming up to spider mating season, which begins in September, and sees male spiders coming into homes on the hunt for females.

Adding to this is the fact that a number of particularly big spiders are set to become a more common sight in the UK. Recently the RSPB recently reported that the UK’s largest breed of spiders - fen raft spiders - which can grow to the size of rats and hunt fish, are making a comeback in Britain.

And giant false widow spiders are set to start invading people’s homes in weeks and their bites can cause painful burns and swelling, and can lead to a fever. But what can we do to try to deter spiders from entering our homes?

According to experts one simple way is to keep your lighting to a minimum. Pest UK explains: “Keep the lights down – Just like moths, spiders are drawn to light, so turn outside lights off when you’re not using them and keep doors and windows closed or blinds shut when the lights are on inside.”

However, it is not the light itself that the arachnids are attracted to but the other insects that come with the bright environment.

Parkway Pest Services says: “Just like a bear that is attracted to a flowing river filled with jumping fish, spiders are attracted to bright lights, surrounded by flying insects. Any place that is near an insect-attracting light is prime real estate for spiders.”

For the same reason Pest UK recommends limiting access to food for spiders. “Remove any dead flies or other creepy crawlies from doorways and window sills as these look like a tasty treat to spiders,” it says.

And not only will closing windows help prevent light from spilling outside, but it should also help stop the eight-legged creatures from finding their way into your home.

Pest UK adds: “Keep windows shut at night – Most spiders are nocturnal, so keep windows and doors closed while you sleep to prevent them from getting into your home at night.”