Large spiders are entering homes in County Durham after tarantulas were confirmed to be in the UK.

Homeowners across the region have noticed a rise in the number of spiders as well as the size of them in recent weeks.

This comes after news that tarantulas were confirmed to be in the UK in the form of purseweb spiders.

Off the back of this information, Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT) has provided information on why the spiders are making their way into homes.

And they have set the record straight. 

Spider season: Big spiders enter UK homes as tarantulas seen

A spokesperson for the Wildlife Trust said: "Every autumn, headlines warn about spiders invading our homes. But what’s the real story with our eight-legged neighbours?

"For some people, the slightest glimpse of a spider is enough to inspire shrieks of fear. Some newspapers take full advantage of this notoriety, and every autumn there’s a surge of stories about spiders “invading” our homes, usually focussing on the largest species or those (often incorrectly) thought to be dangerous.

"The truth is spiders live alongside us all year round and this is something to celebrate, not fear. These amazing animals are a vital part of our ecosystems, feeding on an astounding number of insects.

"It's estimated that across the world, spiders eat between 400 and 800 million tons of insects and other invertebrates a year. Many of the insects they eat are considered pests of food crops, garden plants and even people, so having spiders around is a great natural alternative to pesticides.

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"Some spiders have found their perfect home in our houses, hiding away behind furniture and hunting the other invertebrates that find their way inside, from house flies to wasps and mosquitoes. They tend to keep themselves to themselves, preferring dark corners where they can live in peace. But in late summer and early autumn some spiders become more active as males reach maturity and seek out a female to woo."

BBC researcher Adele Brand confirmed that alongside the regular spiders are tarantulas in the form of Britain’s only species, the purseweb spider.

What is a Purseweb spider?

The Purseweb is a stay-at-home spider and spends most of its life inside that silken tube, which has been compared to an old purse and a dirty sock, hence its name.

This whole structure can be up to 25cm long but only a small part protrudes above the soil surface.

What else has the Wildlife Trust said?

The Trust has calmed fears of spider bites. On the Durham Wildlife Trust website, it says: "The fear of spiders often comes from worries about being bitten, fuelled by urban legends and hyped-up headlines.

"In reality, very few spiders in the UK are even capable of biting a person, and the small number can rarely do. So, the next time you spot a spider sheltering in the corner of a room, give it a wave and say keep up the good work!"

What are the different types of spiders?

  • Cucumber spider
  • Cellar spider
  • Flower crab spider
  • False widow spider
  • Water spider
  • Common harvestman
  • Garden spider
  • Wasp spider
  • Giant house spider
  • Nursery web spider
  • Raft spider
  • Wolf spider
  • Zebra spider

Where can more information be found?

More information can be found on the Durham Wildlife Trust website here.