Thousands Of Spiders Set To Invade UK Homes Thanks To Mating Season

We love autumn, but pumpkin spice lattes, cosy jumpers and Halloween aside, one unwelcome sign that summer is officially over is the sudden invasion of (huge) spiders in our homes.

Yep, it's that time of year.

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Spider mating season is officially in full swing, with thousands of the creepy crawlies set to invade our homes over the next few weeks.

So if you see an increase in the insects, don't be alarmed. The 'spider season' usually begins at the start of September, until the first week of October.

Although spiders can be found in our homes all year round, during mating season, we often notice the males more due to their pursuit of female spiders, which sees them on the move looking for a mate.

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Last year, bug expert Richard Jones told BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat: "The ones we see scuttling around in the house - they're usually the male house spiders.

"The ones you see running across the carpet in front of you freaking you out, most often it'll be a male out on some sort of amorous pursuit. They're more mobile than the other sedentary females. And that's why we see them at this time of year."

Much to our utter horror, Richard even revealed that in older homes, there could be thousands of spiders at any time.

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"I think even the cleanest, smallest house will have a good 20 to 40 spiders. Old Victorian houses like mine - with lots of little cracks and crevices and places for things to get in - I wouldn't be at all surprised if we're well into four figures."

And it seems Brits are starting to notice the increase in numbers already. One person wrote on Twitter: "I knew it was just a matter of time. Alone in a cottage in the countryside. During the onset of spider mating season. What the F was I thinking?!?"

Meanwhile another added: "Omg it’s massive spider season. I can’t tell you how much this time of year terrifies my soul? It’s like hey let’s cap off your summer with a spider surprise. Go easy huns!!!"

And a third commented: "Just encountered my first House Spider of spider season. OMG. I'm sure they never used to be that big... I think it had teeth..."

*Shudder*.

Topics: Animals, Home

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot.

@lucedevine