Spiders in the house! Everything you need to know
Every September, Londoners notice the same thing: more spiders indoors. You see them in the bath, scuttling across the carpet, or clinging to hallway walls just as you are about to switch off for the evening. It can feel like an invasion, but it’s simply spider season - a pattern which repeats across the UK.
Why do spiders come inside in September?
Late summer into autumn is spider mating season. Male house spiders leave their hiding places and search for females. Warm, cluttered and well-sheltered spaces make London homes an attractive environment. Flats with lightwells and basements, Victorian terraces with gaps under doors, and new builds with generous heating all provide ideal conditions.
Are spiders dangerous?
Almost all spiders in the UK are harmless. They may look dramatic, but they are not a risk to health. In fact, they are natural pest controllers, feeding on flies, mosquitoes and moths which are equally at home in London kitchens, gardens and bin areas.
The usual suspects in London homes:
– Giant House Spider: Large and fast-moving
– Cellar Spider (Daddy Long Legs): Thin legs
– Garden Spider: often spinning intricate webs
Why are they in the bath?
Contrary to common belief, spiders don’t come in through the plumbing. Instead, it’s more likely they’ve fallen in while exploring and can’t climb the smooth sides to escape.
How to reduce spiders indoors in London
– Vacuum corners and ceilings regularly - especially in high-ceilinged period properties.
– Clear clutter in storage cupboards or basements which provide hiding places.
– Seal gaps around Victorian sash windows or skirting in older homes.
– Manage lighting on balconies and terraces, because bright lights attract insects which then entice spiders.
– Natural deterrents such as peppermint oil or citrus sprays can be used around likely entry points.
How to take a spider outside without harming it
The simplest method is the glass-and-card technique. Place a clear glass or jar gently over the spider without trapping its legs, slide a piece of stiff card or thin cardboard underneath, and carry it outside.
Release it in a sheltered spot such as near a hedge, flowerbed or plant pot. Avoid dropping them straight onto concrete or paving where they may struggle to hide. If you prefer not to get too close, there are spider “catcher” tools with long handles which allow you to trap and release them from a distance, like THIS
When to consider professional help
Most London homes only see seasonal spider activity. But if you notice multiple new webs, egg sacs or a sharp rise in numbers across rooms, it’s probably best to look for pest control help.
For those with severe arachnophobia, bringing in professional cleaning services to reduce hiding places and lower the chance of sightings.is probably the best next step.
The bigger picture
Spiders are part of the natural ecosystem which includes urban areas like London. They quietly manage other pests which thrive in urban life, from flies around bins to moths in wardrobes. Their presence each autumn is short-lived, and numbers drop as winter approaches.
The CiD take:
Not everyone is comfortable with spiders, however harmless they might be. If you are a CiD client, your EA will be happy to arrange expert pest control, or a trusted cleaning service to help.