Spider mating season may mean sightings increase

There are over 600 species of spiders in the UK, most of which are harmless

Autumn is spider season, with arachnids becoming adults and males starting looking for a mate.

So spiders seen in homes could look bigger and people may spot more of them as males are more confident when trying to find a partner.

Buglife Cornwall conservation officer Scott Martin said: "Usually the males have big palps [appendages near the mouth] to grab hold of a female and that's what looks quite scary. But, when you see a house spider, they're just using them to grab hold of the female to mate."

Although some people are afraid of the creatures, experts are asking householders to treat them carefully and not just put them outside after removal, but leave them in outdoor structures.

Spiders mate in the autumn, lay their eggs in the winter and the next generation hatch in the spring.

Mr Martin said males were "taking more risks and you'll find them running across your living room carpet, when, otherwise they, would be tucked under sofas at the back of furniture".

They are also important to the ecosystem and help control pests in the home by eating insects.

Households should treat them carefully at this crucial time, experts said.

Mr Martin said: "The best way to handle a spider is to catch it in a glass, put a piece of paper or card over the glass and take it outside - but put it in a shed, garage or an outbuilding.

"If you leave them outside, they might die."