Exact time spiders will head for your window in September

As autumn draws nearer spider season is about to be in full swing as they rather rudely enter our homes unannounced. When the sun drops for the day, these eight-legged invaders look to your homes for some warmth and comfort away from the cold.

Although, according to experts, it's not just the standard house spiders we need to keep an eye out for. The likes of the false widow spider, also known as Steatoda nobilis, are more commonly appearing inside of UK homes, and they can cause symptoms similar to that of a wasp or bee sting.

While their bites are rare, they can result in pain, swelling and even a fever. That's why these next four weeks are essential for planning ahead of your window opening times, Alan Reid, a windows expert at Art Windows and Doors, explains.

He said: "Male house spiders and false widows are on the move, and homes with open windows are at risk of infestation. Now is the time to seal gaps and shut windows before spider season peaks."

An entomologist at the University of Gloucestershire, Professor Adam Hart, looked into 10,000 records from up to 250 locations across the UK to see when spiders are at their most active and when they're more commonly spotted, Heart reports.

His findings showed that there is a peak in spider activity around 7.35pm, adding to the idea that windows should be closed by 7pm. It also revealed that there was a peak during the early hours of the morning as a result of them hiding in any drains, sinks or other common spots overnight.

How to keep spiders away

It's the evening time that you want to ensure you're closing your windows for, as the spiders tend to move indoors at dusk. The easiest way to defend against the creepy crawlies is to make sure your windows are shut from 7pm onwards.

Brits can enjoy the autumn without unwelcome visitors if they follow a few simple precautions in and around their windows. First things first, sealing any gaps and cracks will work wonders around your doors, windows and vents, blocking any potential openings for the spiders.

Around these entry points, you can use natural repellents such as peppermint, tea tree, or lavender essential oils mixed with water and spray them in the area. And another way to deter the critters is by simply keeping your house clean with regular dusting and hoovering around any potential hiding spots.

What to do if you do spot a false widow spider

If you come face to face with this type of spider, it's important that you stay calm because they don't have a tendency to be aggressive unless they're provoked. When removing them from your home, you should do so humanely, using the trusty "glass and paper" method, before releasing them outside.

The worst-case scenario of being bitten will, at the absolute most, cause localised pain and swelling. In this case, you should wash the area, apply a cold compress, and if symptoms worsen at all, seek medical advice.