Because Laying Poison Is Only Half The Battle!
There are several reasons why many people are afraid of house spiders UK. They are creepy, crawly, and can be impossible to get rid of. Whether you find one spider in your home or are dealing with an infestation, there is no reason you should have to share your space with these dangerous pests. When you find yourself dealing with spiders or any other unwanted pests, the experts at CCS pest control London have you covered.
Common House Spiders UK
Spiders are one of the most common household pests, and while they may be unsettling to some, they play a crucial role in controlling other insects in your home. However, it’s important to know which spiders are harmless and which ones to avoid. Some of the most common house spiders UK include:
False Widow Spiders
False widow spiders are one of the most notorious UK house spiders. They are easily identified by their shiny black body and the distinctive shape on their abdomen. False widows are known for their potent venom, which is used to immobilize their prey, including insects, other spiders, and even small animals. While their venom can be dangerous to humans, bites are relatively rare and only occur when the spider feels threatened or cornered.
House Spiders
House spiders, also known as common house spiders, are a common sight in many UK homes. These spiders are small to medium-sized and typically have a brown or gray body with varying patterns.
While they may look intimidating, house spiders are generally harmless to humans and play an important role in controlling other household pests like flies, mosquitoes, and moths.
However, if their population becomes too large, they can become annoying, especially if they start building webs in areas like hallways or kitchens.
Cellar Spiders
Cellar spiders, also known as daddy longlegs, are a common type of house spider. These spiders are characterized by their long, thin legs and small, oval-shaped bodies. They are typically pale yellow or light brown in color and can range from 2-10mm in length.
Cellar spiders are often found in damp, dark areas such as basements, crawl spaces, and cellars, which is where they get their name.
Biting House Spiders UK
Several species of spiders in the UK can bite and may pose a threat to homeowners. Some of these biting UK house spiders include:
Jumping Spiders
Once inside your home, jumping spiders can be found hunting around windows and doors in search of insects to snack on. They are also commonly mistaken for black widows due to their black bodies and short legs. Their bodies range from 1/8 to 3/4 inches and can be black, tan, brown, or gray. They also may be covered in dense hair or scales. Jumping spiders get their name from their jumping ability, which is used to catch prey.
Wolf Spiders
Wolf spiders are a type of hunting spider. These spiders are typically brown or gray in color with various markings and can range in size from 0.5-2 inches in length. They are known for their speed and agility, as they are active hunters that chase down their prey rather than relying on webs to trap it. Wolf spiders are commonly found in gardens, fields, and woodlands but can also enter homes through cracks and gaps in doors and windows.
Big House Spiders in UK
Giant house spiders UK are rarely found indoors, but once they enter your house, they will make it a living hell. Some of the giant house spider UK are:
Cardinal Spider
The UK has 650 different species of spiders, and the largest among them is the cardinal spider. Cardinal spiders are also known internationally as Tegenaria Parietina. They have been studied to grow up to 14cm. The Cardinal spider is officially the UK’s largest spider and is typically found in buildings or on walls,
Mouse Spider
The red-headed mouse spider is a fascinating species native to Australia, known for its wide distribution across mainland Australia, which has now reached the UK. Unlike most mygalomorph spiders, which typically disperse by walking, the spiderlings of Missulena occatoria engage in “ballooning,” where they use the wind to travel. These spiders create burrows that can be up to 55 cm deep, featuring two trapdoors for protection.
Female Missulena occatoria spiders are stout and dark-colored, measuring about 35 mm, while the smaller males are around 15 mm long, with distinctive red jaws and gunmetal blue to black abdomens.
Nursery-web spider
A common inhabitant of woods, as well as long grass and hedgerows, this spider is found throughout the UK but is scarce in Scotland. Females can have a leg span of up to 50mm.
When their eggs are ready to hatch, they spin protective nursery webs around their egg sacs to shelter the young. These spiders are agile hunters, often seen carrying their egg sacs before securing them in their webs.
Tube-web spider
An introduced species from Southern Europe, this shy arachnid is typically found on walls and fences. It is currently restricted to southern England, Wales, and areas near ports. Females can reach a body length of 22mm. Despite its reclusive nature, this spider has a sharp, painful bite. It is often spotted in urban environments, where it seeks warm, sheltered spaces to thrive.
What Attracts Spiders to My Home?
Spiders can be attracted to a home for several reasons. Understanding what attracts spiders can help you take steps to prevent infestations and keep your home spider-free. Some of the reasons why spiders may be attracted to a home include:
- Food sources: Spiders are often attracted to areas where they can find food, such as other insects and arthropods. If your home has a lot of bugs, spiders may be attracted to the area in search of a meal.
- Moisture: Some spider species prefer damp environments, so areas of your home that are prone to moisture, such as basements and crawl spaces, may be attractive to spiders.
- Clutter: Cluttered areas can provide hiding spots for spiders, so keeping your home tidy and free of clutter can help discourage spider activity.
- Warmth: Spiders are cold-blooded and may be attracted to warm areas of your home, such as around heating vents or in sunny spots.
Signs That Spiders Are Present In Your UK Home
Several signs indicate a spider infestation in your home, including:
- Spiders: One of the most obvious signs of a spider infestation is spotting them crawling around your space.
- Webs: Finding webs in the corners of your garage, attic, basement, cellar, or shed are indicators that spiders have started making your home their own.
- Egg sacs: Look out for small, white web balls that contain eggs. These sacs can contain hundreds of baby spiders that, once hatched, will build their webs in your home.
- Droppings: Spider droppings look like small black paint splatters and can stain your baseboards or walls if left for too long.
- Shed skins: Spiders shed their skin as they grow, and finding these skins around your home can indicate an infestation.
- Increased insects: Spiders feed on insects, so an increase in insect activity in your home can be a sign of a spider infestation.
Prevent Spiders in Your UK Home
One of the best spider pest control steps you can take is to seal cracks and crevices around your home, including in attics, foundations, and around screen windows and doors. Use caulk to fill in gaps around faucets and electrical outlets as well as around wires and cables.
If window screens are ripped or torn, replace them and fill in any gaps you find. Many spiders head indoors in search of food and shelter, so if you discover an infestation, there’s a good chance you have other pests in your home as well.
Schedule Spider Pest Control Services Today
Spiders are creepy and crawly on their own and can create an annoying situation when you find them inside your home. Instead of checking over your shoulder with each step, call in the pest control experts at CCS to take care of all your pest needs. Our team is experienced in treatment and prevention so you can get back to pest-free living.
Give us a call or contact us online for an inspection of your UK home.
FAQs
Are UK house spiders harmless?
Yes, most UK house spiders are harmless to humans. They generally won’t bite unless threatened, and even then, their bites are typically mild and cause little more than a slight irritation. The spiders you encounter in your home are usually not venomous enough to cause harm.
What is the most common house spider in the UK?
The most common house spider in the UK is the Tegenaria gigantea, also known as the giant house spider. It’s a large house spider UK but harmless, typically found in dark, undisturbed areas of your home, like basements and lofts.
Why are big spiders coming in my house UK?
Spiders tend to come inside during the colder months (autumn and winter) when they are seeking warmth and shelter. Bigger spiders, like the giant house spider, are more likely to enter homes during this time to find a mate and suitable living conditions.
