Seeing more spiders lately? You're not imagining it. In late summer and autumn the males wander about looking for a mate, so they show up in the open.
They didn't come in from the cold. Most were living indoors already. Here are the five you're most likely to meet, and which one is worth a closer look.
1. Giant house spider
The big, fast, brown one that shoots across the floor. It's the classic "something ran under the sofa" spider, often found stuck in the bath.
It looks alarming because of its speed, not because it's dangerous. Completely harmless, and more scared of you than you are of it.
2. Common house spider
Slightly smaller, similar brown color, builds webs in ceiling corners. This is the one you'll spot dashing across the living room.
Several closely related species get lumped together as "house spiders." Most people never tell them apart, and that's fine, they're all harmless.
3. Cellar spider (daddy-long-legs)
Thin body, very long delicate legs, hangs upside down in the corner. You'll see it in bathrooms and quiet ceiling corners.
Don't be fooled by how fragile it looks. It actually hunts and eats other spiders, so it's worth leaving alone.
4. Tiny spiders
Small ones coming near windows, plants, lofts and quiet rooms. Often young spiders spreading out, or small species in from the shed.
One or two is nothing to worry about. If lots appear at once, look for egg sacs or indoor insects feeding them.
5. False widow
The one people worry about, so here's the calm version. It's rounded and glossy with cream markings on a bulbous body.
It's the only UK spider whose bite is medically significant, but bites are rare and usually mild. Worth recognizing, not worth panicking over.
How to see fewer of them
Seal gaps around doors, windows and pipes so the wanderers can't get in. Cut clutter in corners, under beds and in the loft where they like to hide.
Vacuum away webs and egg sacs when you find them. And reduce indoor insects, because spiders follow their food.
One spider in autumn is normal. Repeated sightings in the same corner are worth a look. Clear Pest Control inspects spider activity across the North East and tells you honestly what you're dealing with.
Read the full guide here