As temperatures are set to drop this week, the UK is inching closer to autumn. A sign of this is cooler, more unsettled temperatures and, of course, spiders.
With the weather getting colder, spiders start to seek refuge inside your nice toasty home. There’s also a new threat lurking, with a rise in the population of noble false widow spiders (Steatoda nobilis). Although it is rare these spiders bite, when they do it can be very painful. They can cause symptoms similar to a bee or wasp sting, including pain, swelling, and in some cases, fever.
Alan Reid, from Art Windows and Doors, advises that the next four weeks are essential. He said: “Male house spiders and false widows are on the move, and homes with open windows are at risk of infestation. Now is the time to seal gaps and shut windows before spider season peaks.”
One of the best defences against spiders entering your home is to close the windows at dusk, as this is when spiders will creep in.
Alan also recommends checking your windows, doors and vents for cracks and gaps that creepy crawlies can use to get inside.
Another way to repel spiders is to use strongly scented essential oils mixed with water. Scents like peppermint, lavender and tea tree, as well as some citrus scents, will work best to keep them away.
His final tip is to keep your home clean and dust-free by regularly vacuuming and dusting. This will get rid of spiders hiding spots and food sources.
If you suspect there’s a false widow spider in your home, there are some tell-tale signs. According to the Natural History Museum, all species of false widow will have markings on their abdomens.
These look like a narrow white band around the front of the abdomen, towards the head.
Females will have globular and shiny abdomens and male abdomens are smaller but with clearer bands on them.