Homeowners urged to 'close windows and doors' as spider season arrives early

Households are being urged to "seal windows and doors" as the spider season kicks off. Reports suggest that the season, which sees an increase in house spider sightings, has started earlier than usual. In Ireland, for example the spider season (a period when male spiders enter homes in search of mates) is already underway.

Love Dublin reported: "Spider season used to begin in September, then it crept back to August. Now however, recent weather patterns may have accelerated this timeline... again. The sunshine followed by the wet weather we're getting now could in theory trigger a premature mating season. It has in the past. Hence why houses are getting cluttered with spiders far earlier than usual.

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"While many people fear these eight-legged creatures, they are beneficial to have around," says Paul Blackhurst, head of technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control. "Flies and other insects are a source of food for spiders, which means they provide a natural form of pest control.

"You're most likely to find spiders in your bathroom or kitchen, because their food is attracted to dark, moist areas", says Alex Woods from Victorian Plumbing.

"Spiders are attracted to the warmth of a home, particularly when the weather is cold or wet, which we know all too well can be the reality of a British summer. Female spiders tend to stay in the same position for their whole lives, so it may be that there are still spiders in your home who have been hiding away since last autumn."

Block gaps in walls, pipes, and doors to prevent entry, recommends Blackhurst, whilst Woods suggests: "Spiders have to get in our homes some way, so starting by sealing any cracks or openings around your windows and doors will reduce the chances of an initial invasion."

However expert Dr Tim Cockerill says there is nothing to worry about, reports Birmingham Live. The Hull-born entomologist explained spiders in the UK are "only dangerous if you happen to be a fly, or another small insect".

Dr Cockerill revealed: "Lots of people are afraid of spiders, and one of the interesting things is that we're not entirely sure why. We know that babies are not born with a fear of spiders, so it's probably something that is inherited from our family or from our parents. Because of this strange psychological quirk, it means that by using a bit of psychology we can often find a way around it."