Giant house spiders invade homes as mating season begins


Giant house spiders invade as mating season begins
Giant house spiders invade as mating season begins




Arachnophobes look away now... giant spiders are set to invade our homes this month as they search partners to mate with.

The giant house spiders, which can grow up to 12cm, are on the hunt for females from now all the way until October, reports the Telegraph.

See also: Five things you probably never knew about sea spiders

See also: Woman has spider removed from ear in Wales


While females rarely leave their nests, males will wander around your house as they search out partners.

Speaking to BT News, Simon Garrett, head of learning at Bristol Zoological Society, said: "Most species of spider stay outside all the time and never come in houses. However, in autumn, mature male house spiders start to move around in search of mates.

"Although most remain outside, some will move into a house if there is an entry point for them. It is this need to mate that changes their behaviour, so it seems as though they suddenly come from nowhere at certain times."

And, he says, there is not an awful lot you can do to prevent them from coming in.

You're likely to find them between boxes in cellars, behind cupboards and under sofas, in the loft, near window openings and any spots where they can live in relative peace.

But they come out of the woodwork - literally - in September.

A bite from one of these spiders will not harm you, says Mr Garrett. "Very few species of spider will bite people and of those that try, only a small number can even break our skin.

"There are no inherently deadly species of spider found in the UK as their venom is designed for killing much smaller, simpler creatures for food, such as insects."

However, as somebody that was bitten by a giant house spider just last night (Monday), I can confirm that they can and do bite - even if your big toe just gets in its way as it emerges from beneath the sofa.

The feeling is one of a strong stinging sensation, which is highly unpleasant but does subside. *Screams with panic*.

The giant house spider is Britain's largest arachnid. The males stay with their chosen females for a few weeks, mating numerous times until they die, at which point they are then eaten by their female.

If you spot one in your house, it's best to leave it alone (they eat flies after all), but if you feel it needs to go (we don't blame you), the old card and cup trick is the best and easiest way of removal. Place a large glass or cup over the spider and slide some card underneath, carry it outside and let it out. Then run.

Spider catchers (which use suction to pick them up) are also handy investments for those who don't want to get too close.



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