\n As someone who has an extreme fear of spiders, I dread the arrival of autumn because for me, it signals the arrival of much more.\n<\/p>\n
\n While I know it’s irrational, many phobias are, the feeling is very real. Just typing this article has resulted in an increased heart rate, and cold sweat.\n<\/p>\n
\n I have a few spider ‘hot spots’ at home, where I will be on edge when crossing or arriving at but truth be told, I really only see maybe four all season.\n<\/p>\n
\n That was until this year.\n<\/p>\n
\n A day without seeing a whopping critter would be the rarity now, there has just been so many, and they are huge! It’s staring to feel personal.\n<\/p>\n
\n But am I actually seeing more of them, and if so, is there a reason why?\n<\/p>\n
\n I reached out to an expert to find out more, not only for the facts but in a hope their answers could help me face up to my fear.\n<\/p>\n
\n Kieran Richardson is the animal technical support officer for the ectotherms department at Chester Zoo.\n<\/p>\n
\n He supports any of the zoo’s conservation projects focusing on reptiles, amphibians, fish or invertebrates.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 Why does it seem like there are suddenly so many spiders in our homes at this time of year?\n<\/p>\n
\n In autumn, the males of several different spider species seek out mates. This can mean travelling for quite a distance to find a female, which can make them much more visible to us and is why there can seem to be many more spiders around at this time of year.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 Are the spiders we’re seeing now actually larger than usual?\n<\/p>\n
\n The spiders people see wandering around at this time of year are often newly-matured adult males, so can be a little larger than those seen the rest of the year.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 What species are people most commonly finding running across their floors and walls?\n<\/p>\n
\n Most of the spiders people see around their home this time of year are the giant house spider (Eratigena species). Other spiders that may be often encountered in homes include the European garden spider (Araneus diadematus), cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides) and cupboard spiders, sometimes known as false widows (Steatoda species).\n<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 Can any native UK spiders cause any harm to humans or pets?\n<\/p>\n
\n The noble false widow (Steatoda nobilis) is the only UK spider whose bite can be of medical significance, and that is only in a small percentage of bite cases. This is an introduced species that arrived in southern England from the Mediterranean in the 19th century and has been gradually spreading north. Like other spiders, they will typically avoid conflict and will only bite if they feel threatened.\n<\/p>\n
\n Wendy the Wasp Spider, in the foreground, is the first of her species to be found in Cheshire. Image: Chester Zoo.\n<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 Is there any truth to the claim spiders are getting bigger because of climate change?\n<\/p>\n