Arachnophobic residents in Warrington can call a pest professional for help, says national trade body British Pest Control Association (BPCA), but spiders are best left alone, or removed to a sheltered spot if needed.
Experts at BPCA say spiders might sneak indoors as the weather turns colder, and while trapping and releasing them in a suitable shed or outhouse is the quickest way to tackle the problem, they will disappear in a few months if left alone.
However, BPCA members are on hand for anyone who has a severe phobia, or who believes they may have an allergic reaction to a spider bite from species such as the False Widow Spider.
Natalie Bungay is Technical Manager at BPCA. She said: “Native spiders are not considered dangerous or a threat to health, but pest professionals are on hand to help anyone who suffers from arachnophobia if spiders are becoming a nuisance.
“Calls for False Widow Spiders tend to peak in October as numbers increase during the winter months and then they become more conspicuous as the males wander in search of a mate.
“False Widow Spiders are venomous but not aggressive – bites generally seem to occur through accidental contact. They can be very painful but are no more dangerous than a wasp sting.”
For most spiders, trapping them under a glass, sliding a stiff piece of paper underneath and releasing them in a garage or shed is all that is required.
Natalie added: “Spiders have an important role to play in our natural eco-systems, so releasing them in a sheltered place where they won’t succumb to the cold is generally the best alternative if you can’t quite cope with them inside the house.
“However, if spiders are becoming a nuisance, you have a phobia, or believe you are likely to have a severe reaction to a spider bite, we’d recommend you seek advice from a pest professional.
“A BPCA member will have the knowledge required to ensure the infestation is contained as much as possible and have access to a range of specialist products that are not available to the public.”
BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.
To find a professional pest controller visit bpca.org.uk/find
