Why you may find spiders under your Christmas tree

Households are being warned recent warm weather will mean the spider mating season could last until Christmas

An insect expert has said this year's warm summer will mean households could find spiders "under the Christmas tree".

Dee Patel, an entomologist from Winterton, Lincolnshire, said spider season would last longer because of higher insect populations which had provided "a plentiful supply of food".

The traditional mating season for the insects usually runs between August and November in the UK.

Mr Patel said: "The females are in our homes all year round, the males are the ones which are coming in now and are looking for love. They just want to start a family."

He added: "There's going to be many more of them [spiders] because the breeding season is going to be longer. They are actually going to be larger in size as well.

"They're not there to harm us - they're there to look after us and will keep your house clean."

Households are being warned recent warm weather will mean the spider mating season could go on until Christmas

But how do you feel about having spiders in your homes?

Jane and Rod Elliot from Cottingham told BBC Look North that they have already spotted "really big ones" in their home.

"I have a real phobia of spiders... I think it's the way they move. The way they just go across your carpet and you can hear them sometimes, their feet are that big and heavy," said Jane.

Hayley Lewis was more postive but admitted she did not like "the ones with the hairy legs".

She added: "They don't bother me at all, they can have a spider party. Let them crack on, they're just a little animal aren't they?"

Entomologist Dee Patel said spiders are "fascinating creatures" and we should not fear having them in our homes

Mr Patel has advised anyone who sees a spider to keep them in their home or shed as they "can't survive in the cold".

He also recommended vacuuming rooms to eliminate hiding spots, sealing cracks in walls or near windows and using natural deterrents such as peppermint oil to ward them off.

"If you really can't stand them, there are things you can do without reaching for the slipper," he concluded.

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