Brits are being warned as false widow spiders prepare to invade UK homes in an attempt to escape the harsh winter elements.

As nights get darker and temperatures fall, experts are telling people to prepare for more spiders to crawl their way into their homes.

They have also issued a stark warning over the prospect of being bitten by their eight-legged house guests.

The bathroom is likely where you are most at risk as, like all species, spiders need water to survive.

For this reason, they will often be drawn towards your bathroom as this is the area of your house where the are likely to find moisture.

The Sun reports bites from the false widow can lead to severe symptoms and dangerous infections in extreme cases.

NHS advice on spider bites

The NHS warns: "Bites from spiders in the UK are uncommon, but some native spiders – such as the false widow spider – are capable of giving a nasty bite.

"Spider bites leave small puncture marks on the skin, which can be painful and cause redness and swelling.

"Some spiders bites can cause you to feel or be sick, sweating and dizziness. Bites can also become infected or cause a severe allergic reaction in rare cases. Get medical help immediately if you have any severe or worrying symptoms after a spider bite."

How can I keep spiders out of my home?

If you are keen to keep the eight-legged creatures out of your home, there are a few things you can try to deter them from creeping inside.

1) Avoid clutter

Spiders love seeking refuge in dark, damp and cluttered places, so ensuring your house is kept clean can keep them away.

Be sure to vacuum and dust regularly, and store things away in plastic-lid boxes rather than cardboard, to prevent the critters gaining access.

2) Let natural light in

Avoid leaving the blinds or curtains closed during the day, or for prolonged periods when you are away from home as spiders love the dark.

3) Use essential oils

Spiders ‘smell’ with their legs, so strong scents will deter them from leaving their nooks and crannies.

Tea tree, rose, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, citronella, lavender and eucalyptus are good oils to try – make sure you spray corners, window sills and skirting boards, and replenish regularly.

4) Draw some chalk lines

Spiders taste with their feet and they don’t like chalk, so drawing a line around window sills, your bed, or doorways, will deter them from crossing.

5) Seal any cracks

Seal up any little cracks in walls, floors and ceilings that spiders could use for access.

6) Keep foliage away from your house

Avoid allowing plants to grow too close to your home to creep as spiders will hide away in them.

Leaf litter and accumulating wood piles also make for great spider hiding places, so be sure to keep your outdoor space tidy.

7) Don’t use conkers

There is no evidence that conkers are effective at keeping spiders out.

Other strong aromas are likely to work better, such as garlic or vinegar.

"Some spiders bites can cause you to feel or be sick, sweating and dizziness. Bites can also become infected or cause a severe allergic reaction in rare cases. Get medical help immediately if you have any severe or worrying symptoms after a spider bite."

The warning comes as the Met Office predicts temperatures across the UK will drop in the coming weeks.  

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