An ITV expert has explained how he was bitten by a spider and explained the ‘venom’ risk this September as ‘massive’ arachnids invade homes. September kicks off what many refer to as “spider season” as they creep into houses to escape from the worsening weather.
Professor James Logan said people should be wary of ‘dangerous spiders’ in the UK which can bite and said he himself had been bitten – and it was as painful as a bee sting. He told hosts Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley: “We have dangerous spiders in the UK, spiders that can bite. In fact, pretty much every spider can bite, but most spiders can’t penetrate our skin.
“Most spiders would never want to bite us, because why would they? We’re, we’re nothing to them. They’d want to avoid us more than anything. But some spiders can’t get through the skin, so, but they’ll only do it if they’re annoyed, you know, if they’re feeling threatened. I have been bitten by a spider once on my hand, and it’s because it got in between my gardening glove and my hand and I squished it by mistake and it bit me there.”
He did say that although they can be painful, the risks of venom is nothing like abroad. He said: “But there’s no really venomous spiders in the UK. It hurt. I compare it to maybe a bee sting, right, something like that. So you know it’s not, it’s not too bad. You do, it is a bite, it is a wound. You do have to keep it clean, otherwise it could become infected but in terms of venom, there’s not really anything that’s really that venomous or venomous at all really to us here in the country.”
Host Ben asked: “What about a few spider myths? Do we swallow them when we sleep? Is it true? WI heard that so much growing up, you know, you spiders crawl across your face in your mouth and you swallow them and all that kind of stuff.” Prof Logan explained: “It’s not true. It’s not true. I mean, maybe occasionally it might happen on a very rare occasion, but spiders are not going, why would they want to go near your mouth? I mean, it doesn’t make any sense. Plus, if you’re snoring heavily and breathing, it’s just going to put them off. So actually they’re going to avoid you.”
How to get rid of spiders
The professor said that while insecticides can be used, they don’t just kill spiders as they can actually harm surrounding plants and grass too. Fortunately, there are other ways to keep spiders out of your home with his key advice being to keep windows and doors closed whenever possible.
He also advises against leaving windows open near security cameras or outdoor lights, as these lights attract insects, turning those areas into hotspots for spiders. Once a door or window opens nearby, the spiders are quick to make their way inside.
The expert says that there is ‘some scientific evidence conkers contain chemical smells’ that repels spiders. But while this may have some proof to it, you would have to put lots, everywhere all over your house.
The same goes for natural scents like cinnamon, peppermint oil, and oranges as while spiders dislike these smells, they are only effective if used generously. For example, you would need to rub orange peel along windowsills, door frames and skirting boards throughout your home for it to have any real impact. The professor encourages people to give it a try if they wish as it can work, but warns you need to be consistent to be effective.
He tells people that some plug-in electronic devices may not work and are better suited to rodents rather than spiders and other bugs. If all else fails, try getting a spider catcher. Not only does this mean you don’t have to be close to them, it means you can safely put them back outside meaning no harm comes to them.
Why are there more spiders this year?
Speaking about why you may be seeing more spiders than usual, James says that “there’s a trend” happening, explaining that “because we’ve got climate change, our summer’s are becoming hotter and longer” and our winters are also becoming warmer.
With this in mind, “spiders and insects can survive longer”, he reveals meaning the creepy crawlies are adapting and “surviving better” meaning “we will start to see more and more” of them.