Autumn Spider Season: Embrace Our Eight-Legged Friends and Their Hidden Benefits

As late summer transitions into autumn, many UK households brace themselves for the annual influx of spiders. For some, the sight of the eight-legged creatures can invoke a sense of dread, as evidenced by the numerous viewers of Look North who have shared their experiences. However, according to spider expert Dr. Tim Cockerill, there’s little cause for alarm when it comes to these harmless inhabitants of our homes. Dr. Cockerill, a Hull-born entomologist, reassures the public that the spiders we encounter are generally not a threat, stating, “They are only dangerous if you happen to be a fly or another small insect.” This sentiment is echoed by viewers like Tracey from Boston, who encountered a “magnificent specimen” in her bathroom. While she typically doesn’t mind spiders and usually opts to handle them directly, she confessed that this particular creature was too large for her comfort, prompting her to use a jug instead. The seasonal uptick in spider sightings isn’t due to an influx of newcomers invading homes; rather, Dr. Cockerill explains that most of these arachnids have been lurking in our nooks and crannies all year long. “What you are seeing in your houses are adult male spiders out looking for love,” he elaborated. Indeed, this time of year marks the mating season for many spider species, prompting them to venture out of their hiding spots. Lee, another viewer, recounted a gentle encounter with a spider he affectionately named Shadow, which he promptly relocated outside. Dr. Cockerill encourages this approach, suggesting a glass and a piece of card as an effective method for capturing and releasing spiders back into the wild. “The spider will go and live its life very happily outside in the garden,” he noted. There are practical benefits to allowing spiders to coexist within our homes, particularly cellar spiders, commonly known as daddy long-legs. Dr. Cockerill points out that these non-native species thrive in the warmth of our living spaces and contribute to pest control by feeding on flies and mosquitoes. “I prefer just to leave them in the corner of the room where they do a good job,” he said. Despite the reassurances, many maintain a fear of spiders, as highlighted by Angela, whose mother Diane has struggled with arachnophobia. In an attempt to fend off the creatures, Diane places conkers in the corners of her rooms—a practice Angela doubts is effective. Dr. Cockerill agrees, dismissing this notion as an old wives' tale with no scientific backing. He further notes that the fear of spiders is not innate; “Babies are not born with a fear of spiders, so it's probably something that is inherited from our family or from our parents.” This psychological aspect can often be addressed with a little education and understanding. Having dedicated much of his life to studying spiders, Dr. Cockerill expresses a deep appreciation for these creatures, emphasizing, “There's nothing to worry about when it comes to spiders. They're just a fascinating part of our native wildlife.” As autumn ushers in spider season, perhaps it’s time for us to reconsider our perspectives and embrace the ecological role these creatures play in our homes.