Are you ready for the spider invasion?

CREEPY crawlies are looking to invade warm homes again as temperatures start to drop.

Giant varieties will be on the prowl for a mate as Spider Season approaches, leading to warnings for those with arachnophobia - the fear of spiders - to be on their guard.

The number of large, male spiders wandering through homes, will rise during the first or second week of September, according to experts, while females will stay in places like underneath windowsills and webs.

Most of the 650 species of spider in the UK are too small to be able to bite, but the Tegenaria domestica and Eratigena atrica - also known as the giant house spider - are ‘generally quite large’.

According to The Wildlife Trusts, the giant house spider - identified by its dark, hairy body and long legs - typically has a leg span of up to 7.5cm and can run up to half a metre per second.

Professor Adam Hart, entomologist at the University of Gloucestershire, told the

BBC: “If we are not used to seeing them around, they do appear quite big.

“There are a couple of male spiders in those species that are quite formidable-looking, but the reality is they’re quite harmless.”

As more people are spending their evenings indoors, Prof Hart said 7.35pm was the peak time of when spiders are spotted lurking around the house.

He continued: “There’s nearly always a way to get in the house, they can also come in through things like towels that are left outside.

“Keeping your house tidy and keeping clothes off the floor may reduce places for them to hide, but it’s very difficult to keep them out.”

Thankfully, the mating season doesn’t last long, with Prof Hart adding that it should come to end around the start of October.

The giant house spider can bite, although it doesn’t usually pose a threat to people, and can grow up to 12cm across.

Other species you could find around your home include the zebra jumping spider, the cupboard spider, the daddy long legs, the money spider, the lace web spider, the missing sector orb, the false widow, the tube web and the cardinal.

Lucy Askew, spokesperson for www. Hillarys.co.uk, shares her six top tips on how to keep spiders at bay this autumn/winter:

Put conkers in the corners of your rooms: While not scientifically proven, many people across the world swear by popping conkers in the corners of their rooms to keep spiders out. It’s thought that they give off a noxious chemical that will cause a spider to curl up and die.

Create your own natural spider deterrents: It’s believed that spiders detest the smell of citrus fruits, so try placing slices of fresh lemon or lime in the house.

Seal the cracks in your home: Being small, nimble creatures, spiders can make it through any small nooks and crannies that you might have in your home.

Keep your windows closed: Typically, nocturnal creatures, spiders go on the search for a warm atmosphere where they can find food, shelter and mating opportunities once the sun sets.

Keep on top of your cleaning: It’s simple logic; spiders are looking for bugs and flies that they can eat, and these are not going to be as present in a house that is as clean and tidy as possible.

Turn off your outside lights: Insects and bugs that spiders love to eat are the ones that are most attracted to light, so keeping your lights on will only bring them all to your door, and inside where they can get in.