Spare a thought for us arachnophobes this autumn

‘I did not need to be told that “the male giant house spider” can sprint at half a metre a second. I’ve seen the buggers do it.’ Photograph: Jack Barr/Alamy

Another spider horror story to terrify us arachnophobes (Country diary, 1 September). I did not need to be told that “the male giant house spider” can sprint at half a metre a second. I’ve seen the buggers do it – towards me. I’m an old bloke and it barely gives me time to scream and leap on the sofa, hoping my wife can head it off before it escapes.
Prof Bev Littlewood
London

• I am grateful for all the helpful suggestions to avoid hypothermia this coming winter (Letters, 1 September). It still seems, though, that the best way to stay warm is to have lots of money.
Tracey Gilbert
Exeter