Spider infestation to hit this Bank Holiday weekend, warn experts

The wet weather has caused a surge in creepy crawlies

(Getty Images)

Normally we have until mid-September to enjoy a blissful spider-free existence.

Free from the perils of girlish yelps and running for refuge as sadistic “friends” mercilessly taunt petrified arachnophobes with their dangling legs.

However, the wash-out conditions of this summer will see a surge in eight-legged cretins seeking shelter as of this weekend, experts have warned.

Rainfall provides spiders with ideal prey-catching conditions, as their webs become filled with smaller insects.

A pest consultant explained that due to the relatively warm weather this year, more flies are around for spiders to feast on, encouraging more of them to emerge from hibernation.

Spider levels typically peak in September due to many male species reaching adulthood at this time, and subsequently venturing into homes looking to mate.

However, the consultant added, due to recent the wet weather, we could see “a lot more than normal” this time around.

The species likely to send chills down our spines include the greatly-feared false widow spider, with a wasp sting-like bite.

As the UK’s most venomous spider, its bites can induce fevers, headaches, lethargy and even chest pains.

Earlier this year, a man found 60 of them crawling around his greenhouse.

Thankfully, there has never been a fatality in the UK from a false widow spider bite. Phew.

Another one to watch out for is the giant house spider, which will be scouring the property ladder this weekend for coddling corners to lay 100 eggs at a time.

Vacuuming regularly and removing any noticeable webs should help reduce the risk of entry, but if you’re really concerned it might be worth filling in the gaps in your home surrounding pipework and door frames.