BRITS have been given an urgent warning as giant spiders the size of rats are set to invade the nation.
The Fen Raft Spider – with a leg span as wide as a man’s hand – has made a comeback thanks to a successful breeding program.
But while conservationists are celebrating, people have been given an urgent warning about bracing themselves for the giant eight-legged beasts.
Their webs can stretch up to a whopping 25cm, making them the size of a pizza.
In 2010, the Fen Raft Spider was clinging to survival, found only in three small locations in Suffolk and Sussex.
But a decade later, the tables have turned, and now these colossal creatures are thriving in the wet, marshy landscapes of the UK.
There are over 3,750 breeding females now scuttling around at 12 different sites in Norfolk alone, it’s no wonder the arachnids are grabbing headlines.
With giant spiders the size of rats set to invade the UK, to help Brits deter spiders away from their homes, Sam Jenkinson, garden building expert at Tiger has shared his advice on how to keep spiders out of your indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Spiders dislike the smell of peppermint, citrus, and vinegar. You can use these natural repellents to deter spiders from your living spaces and outdoor garden buildings.
To make a peppermint spray, mix 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil with water in a spray bottle.
Spray the mixture around your home, paying special attention to windowsills, doorways, and other areas where spiders might enter.
You can also rub citrus peels or place cotton balls dipped in vinegar around your home for a similar effect.
Spiders can squeeze through tiny cracks and openings, so it’s important to seal them up. Pay special attention to windows, doors, and vents.
You can use caulk or sealant to seal up any cracks or gaps where necessary.
Spiders are attracted to clutter and debris, so it’s important to keep your home and garden buildings clean and tidy. Regularly vacuum and dust and get rid of any unnecessary clutter.
There are a number of plants that spiders dislike, such as peppermint, lavender, basil, and citronella. Plant these around your garden to ward off any spiders from both your garden buildings and the home itself.
Spiders are attracted to insects, so it’s important to get rid of any insect pests in your home. You can use traps, baits, or insecticides to get rid of insects.
Spiders are attracted to firewood for many different reasons, they can use it for shelter and often build webs and lay eggs in it.
Firewood also attracts other insects which provide spiders with a food source.
Store your firewood in a place where you want to avoid running into a creepy crawly.
Tim Strudwick, site manager at the RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves, couldn’t be prouder of the spider’s resurgence.
He said: “The Fen Raft Spider is one of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and we are proud of the role our reserves and teams have played in its recovery.
“These spiders have an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches on our reserves.”
But if you’re thinking these oversized arachnids are just a pest, think again.
Strudwick describes them as :”impressive in size, but also beautiful – they are truly special to see.”
With their distinctive white or cream stripes running along the sides of their abdomens, these semi-aquatic spiders are a sight to behold.
And if you’re near a pond, beware – they can run across the water’s surface to snatch up their prey, which includes everything from other spiders to fish and even tadpoles.
While the species is still listed as “Vulnerable” and remains a Priority Species, the annual spider surveys in September are expected to show another successful breeding year.
So, if you fancy a close-up look at these giant spiders (and have the nerves of steel to match), head to Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, where the best sightings are from June to September.
