19/10/2026
It's that time of year now that our 'wee' eight legged friends tend to visit our homes. I'm posting this today as I had TWO of these visitors last night and we tend to see a HUGE increase in calls during this month. Although a long post I hope it will go some way to assist you during Spider Season 🕷🕷🕷 ( post your spider pics below ) 😊😊🕷🕷
The giant house spider is one of our fastest invertebrates, running up to half a metre per second. This large, brown spider spins sheet-like cobwebs and pops up in the dark corners of houses, particularly in autumn. Chances are these guys have been in your house all along, hiding behind toilets, bath panels and dark corners. The Giant house spiders are particularly prevalent in the autumn when the males are out looking for females. The males stay with their chosen females for some weeks, mating numerous times until eventually they die, at which point they are eaten by their female. Giant house spiders spin sheet-like cobwebs in neglected corners of the room and wait close by for unsuspecting insects to get caught; they are most active at night. In terms of size, the giant house spider (UK) has been known to display a leg span of up to 120mm wide (which is about the diameter of a Compact Disc!). Female giant house spiders are larger than males, and can live for several years.
The best form of control for the giant house spider is literally down to hoovering all the little corners and dark places that we all tend to overlook when we run the hoover over the floor. Areas where curtains contact the floor, under laundry piles, under units, sofas, beds etc are all areas where these spiders will hang out. Keeping these areas hoovered and debris free will usually deter the spider as they like to feel safe. The good news is that the breeding season usually ends around mid October. You can remove them by placing a glass over them and sliding a piece of paper/cardboard under and releasing them, OR if you want to deter spiders, the easiest way is to mix peppermint oil and spray your home with this aroma. Also, place citrus fruit peel or similar smells in areas where they are frequently seen or known to hide. Eucalyptus is also a good alternative. ( PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT ESSENTIAL OILS CAN BE TOXIC TO PETS!!! )
Remember though that Spiders are nature's very own Pest Controllers and extremely beneficial within our eco-system so when possible Capture & Release 🙏😀😀🕷🕷
As always should anymore advice be required don't hesitate to contact me. 🕷🕷
Patricia ❤️
