Experts tell Merseyside to prepare for September spider invasion

Pest experts say homes across the North West should expect to play host to the infamous "false widow" spider this Autumn

Months of mild weather have led to a huge growth in the number of "false widow" spiderscrawling around Merseyside, according to experts.

The population of the species, whose bite is usually as painful as a bee sting, has soared into the millions with sightings expected to surge nationwide.

Pest management consultant Clive Boase says conditions are absolutely ideal for a significant rise in numbers in the coming months.

"We’ve had a reasonably warm year with very few cold snaps and no particularly extended periods of either dry or wet weather.

He added: "That has led to more invertebrates, such as flies, to feed on and means false widows, as well as many other species of spiders, have been able to continue their development throughout the summer.

"Sightings of spiders often peak from September as males of many species reach adulthood and venture into homes in search of a mate, but we could be seeing a lot more of them than normal over the next month or two.”

According to the Natural History Museum, the false widow species was first introduced to Britain over a century ago.

The species has long been established in the South of the country however has made its way North with recent sightings reported as far as Scotland.

On where you should expect to find the spider, Clive said:

“They love conservatories and toilet blocks, window frames, porches, lofts and garages and they like to live beneath kitchen appliances and cupboards.

“They are generally shy creatures and won’t come out into the open, but they could crawl into curtains or perhaps clothing left on the floor.”

Liverpool spiders that will give you nightmares

WARNING: These pictures will haunt you....

We have all been there; long day at work, kids in bed and you are just about to slip into a carb-coma from the pasta you had for tea as you watch Corrie.

Then, out the corner of your eye you see it. A flash of black scurries across the carpet and stops right in front of you.

Its body the size of a mouse, eight hairy legs spanning over 12 centimetres and the sudden realisation that this living room ain't big enough for the both of you.

Tegenaria gigantea, we meet again.

As we do every September, when the Common House Spider tries to force us out of our homes with their fear tactics as they look for a mate and a place to lay their eggs.

You could be forgiven thinking a Common House Spider is not going be that scary... but these Liverpool arachnids will give you nightmares... (These photos were sent in to the Liverpool Echo by their readers)

Jack Armstrong sent in this picture to the Echo of a spider and look at the one chilling in the cobweb!

Picture of two spiders caught by ECHO reader Stuart Howitt just before the big one eat the little one.

ECHO reader Robert Naylor snapped this spider before setting it free outside his Thornton home.

ECHO reader Adelle Jenkins caught this spider - Caught in a glass but what do you do with it now?

Camouflage Spider.....ECHO reader Kirsty Ashcroft from Huyton spotted this common house spider in her home.

Despite its fearsome reputation, reported cases of false widow bites are rare and the spider is nowhere near as dangerous as its deadly name-sake the Black Widow which possesses venom known to kill human beings.

Rob Simpson, manager of pest controllers register BASIS PROMPT, says simple precautions can be taken to reduce the likelihood of encountering the false widow spider in your home.

“Spiders will have fewer places to hide if you keep clutter to a minimum, so I would say keep your house tidy and vacuum regularly.

“You can spray dark corners of the home with pesticides and there’s an old wives tale about placing conkers on window sills, but I’m not sure that works.”

Homeowners or businesses keen to rid themselves of a spider infestation are advised to seek professional advice.

Carol spotted this huge spider under the window of her Liverpool home

Story and Photos from Liverpool Echo