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. READ MORE: Mould and pests won't ruin strawberry plants if you dust soil with 1 ingredient
Common house spider on a smooth tile floor seen from ground level in a kitchen in a residential home (Image: CBCK-Christine via Getty Images)
"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."
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Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
Inside UK's secret crisis control room as Brits told to stock up on essentials
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Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
Met Office yellow and amber warning explained as Storm Floris hits
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Scotsman
a day ago
- Scotsman
The Met Office has shared advice on how to stay safe in a storm. An amber wind warning will be in place until 23:00 on August 4 for Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Orkney Islands, SW Scotland
Watch the latest Met Office video forecast, as the forecaster shares advice on how to stay safe in a storm. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The Met Office has shared advice on how to stay safe in a storm, as amber and yellow wind warnings are in place. Met Office amber wind warning The Met Office amber wind warning will be in place until 23:00 on August 4, covering Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, the Orkney Islands, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders and Strathclyde. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The warning reads: 'Storm Floris will bring unseasonably strong and disruptive winds to much of Scotland during Monday. 'Injuries and danger to life from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. Some damage to trees and buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, expected. Longer journey times and cancellations, as road, rail, air and ferry services affected. Some roads and bridges closed. Flying debris could lead to Injuries or danger to life. Power cuts with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Before the storm, the Met Office advises securing loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them. | Dan Kitwood / Getty Images 'Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually strong west or northwesterly winds to much of Scotland during Monday. Gusts of 50 to 70 mph are expected for many parts, and are likely to reach 80 to 90 mph on some exposed coasts, hills and bridges. Western coastal areas will see the highest gusts between late morning and early afternoon, the strongest winds then transferring to northeastern Scotland by late afternoon/early evening.' Met Office yellow wind warning A yellow wind warning from the forecaster will be in place for Central, Tayside and Fife, Grampian, Highlands and Eilean Siar, North East England, North West England, Northern Ireland, Orkney and Shetland, SW Scotland, Lothian Borders, Strathclyde, north Wales and Yorkshire and Humber until 23:59 on August 4. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The warning reads: 'Storm Floris is likely to bring a spell of unseasonably strong and potentially disruptive winds to northern UK on Monday. 'Some damage to buildings, such as tiles blown from roofs, could happen. Injuries and danger to life from flying debris are possible. Power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. Injuries and danger to life could occur from large waves and beach material being thrown onto sea fronts, coastal roads and properties. Some roads and bridges may close. Road, rail, air and ferry services may be affected, with longer journey times and cancellations possible. 'Storm Floris will bring a spell of unusually windy weather for the time of year across the northern half of the UK on Monday. The highest winds are expected across Scotland between late morning and early evening. In some areas high winds will be accompanied by heavy rain. Wind will then slowly start to ease from the west later. Across the warning area, many inland areas are likely to see gusts of 40 to 50 mph with 60 to 70 mph possible along exposed coasts and high ground, especially Scotland. 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How to stay safe in a storm Before the storm Secure loose objects such as ladders, garden furniture or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing and break them Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the house, and especially large doors such as those on garages Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30° If the house is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened If chimney stacks are tall and in poor condition, move beds away from areas directly below them During the storm Stay indoors as much as possible If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences - if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side Do not go outside to repair damage while the storm is in progress If possible, enter and leave your house through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or are a high sided vehicle Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary After the storm
