Homes up and down Essex are seeing something of a spider infestation at the moment due a combination of unseasonably warm autumn weather, and the mating season.
Experts say the decent conditions also mean the spiders may even be bigger than normal.
Essex Chronicle readers have been quick to send their snaps of their new friends, but we aren't all fans of the arachnids and would prefer not having to reach for a glass - or a rolled up magazine
Follow these simple steps below to keep your home spider free:
Keep the house clean
Regularly vacuuming and dusting the house can prevent webs and colonies being built up. Try and do this at least once a week
Use vinegar
Believe it or not, spraying all the cracks and crevices around your home with vinegar has been shown to do the trick. Not exactly conducive to inviting guests over though..
Stock up on citrus fruits
Alternatively you can rub citrus peel on spider friendly areas such as windowsills and bookshelves
Use your cats and dogs to their full advantage
Make sure they keep an eye on the floor for any spider scuttling across the ground. Might save you a job, and the guilt!
Chestnuts on the windowsills
They're not just for roasting, and can be a great deterrent if scattered around potential entry points
Cigarettes/tobacco
Not to encourage smoking, but tests in America have shown sprinkling small amounts of tobacco around the house can also ward them off
Peppermint
A much better alternative to filling your house with the smell of vinegar. Make sure to spray it in the direction of any cracks or gaps
Sweep and clear the garden
Spiders like to hide out in piles of leaves and weeds - don't give them the opportunity!
Get rid of boxes in the shed and garage
Similarly, piles of empty unused boxes also gives spiders somewhere to go before taking the next step to the house.
Seal cracks in the walls/doors
Sounds obvious, but is an easy way of preventing spiders from scuttling in as they please
Seal items kept outdoors in plastic bags
Leaving goods or other items outdoors before bringing them back into the house is also a common way or providing spiders with free transport. Don't do it if you don't want them in!
