Thousands of spiders seeking partners are invading Irish homes as the warm weather draws to a close.
Autumn marks the start of mating season for common house spiders and as night time temperatures drop, the terrifying arachnids are beginning to make their way indoors.
Experts say that 'spider season' usually begins within the last two weeks of September and finishes by the first week of October.
Male house spiders are most active during this time of the year and seeking mates after spending the spring feeding.
Thankfully, with the exception of the False Widow, the majority of spiders found in Irish homes are incapable of harming humans.
Most spider species found here can't open their jaws wide enough to bite a human finger and their fangs aren't powerful enough to penetrate our tough skin.
False Widow spiders however, can deliver agonising bites.
A Waterford mum was hospitalised for six days in July after she was bitten three times by the creepy crawly.
There has been several confirmed sightings of the spider in Dublin, Wicklow, Waterford, Laois, Sligo and Galway.
Pest-controllers Rentokil have compiled a list of five handy tips on how to keep spiders out of your home this year.
Rentokil 's Richard Faulkner said: "Spiders are most likely to enter your home at this time of year, the autumn period, in search of a warm place to spend the winter.
"The best advice in general, is to leave them alone, but this can be difficult for people who have a fear of spiders.
"Towards the end of autumn many spiders die off, but some hibernate until the following spring."
Our Top Five Tips for protecting your home from spiders are:
- Vacuum regularly, high and low - particularly sheltered spots such as beneath worktops, backs of cupboards or under/behind large furniture.
- Remove noticeable webs - on a regular basis.
- Fill in gaps - in walls, around pipework and under doors to deter entry.
- Remove sheltering sites - like firewood piles, garden bags, compost piles and general clutter from near your property.
- Deter all insects - use lighting in a way that is less attractive to the insects (flies) that spiders feed on.
