Ireland's leading pest control provider Rentokil has given advice to householders on how to deal with spiders entering their homes this winter.
With temperatures plummeting, spiders will be seeking shelter and food in households across the country. They will also begin breeding this time of year.
Many common spider species lay on average approximately 100 eggs at a time, contained in silken sacs which may be fixed to an indoor surface or hidden in a spider web. Rentokil has warned that the presence of these sacs in your home indicate that a larger spider infestation is on the horizon.
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The pest control provider said most spiders in Ireland are not dangerous and one of the most common types of native spiders here are giant house spiders, measuring around 120mm. Males usually leave their webs to find females which is why they are commonly found indoors at this time of year. Common house spiders are another species the public will encounter frequently during autumn.
Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant with Rentokil Initial, said reminded the public that spiders in your home are getting rid of other insects that have wandered indoors. He said: "As the warm weather comes to end, you are more likely to see spiders indoors due to a variety factors, including the need to seek food and shelter.
"Insects, spider’s main food source, also retreat indoors at this time of year, so while the presence of spiders may be unpleasant, they are also providing you with a form of free pest control. House spiders actually have a generally positive impact on a household environment, as they eat other insects."
Mr Faulkner said that if a householder is finding the presence of spiders particularly unpleasant, the most effective way to control them is to limit their food sources and disturb potential hiding spots by cleaning. He also gave Rentokil's top tips to prevent infestations:
- "Vacuum regularly, high and low - particularly sheltered spots such as beneath worktops, backs of cupboards or under/behind large furniture.
- "Remove noticeable webs - on a regular basis.
- "Fill in gaps - in walls, around pipework and under doors to deter entry.
- "Remove sheltering sites - like firewood piles, garden bags, compost piles and general clutter from near your property.
- "Deter all insects - use lighting in a way that is less attractive to the insects (flies) that spiders feed on.”
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