UK households urged to move beds amid 'peak' spider mating season

UK households urged to move beds amid 'peak' spider mating season Spiders are looking for warm places to live People living across the UK are being urged to take specific precautions as spider mating season reaches its "peak". There are a number of measures you can take to reduce the amount of spiders entering your home, according to experts. For instance, with sunset arriving earlier each evening, UK residents may wish to think about shutting their windows before spiders and moths become more active. Bill Parkinson, bed expert at Sleepy Piglet, explains that the light emanating from your bedroom can attract flies and moths, delivering precisely the food source spiders are seeking directly into your room. "This could also give spiders already hiding around the home more reason to come out and make an open window more appealing to the ones outside. If you're someone who likes sleeping with the bedroom window open, try 'burping' the room instead. "Give it a good airing for 10 to 15 minutes during the day, or as soon as you get home from work, then close the windows up again. With sunsets getting earlier throughout autumn, I'd aim to have it shut by around 7pm, before the street lights go on." You may also may want to think about repositioning your bed. This is due to the fact that we frequently push them against a wall, providing spiders with a convenient route to climb in. "Try creating a 'bed island' by moving the bed away from any walls and keeping your bedding tucked in. You're essentially removing some of the easiest pathways onto your bed since spiders are usually seen crawling across floors or up walls. "It's also worth thinking about the darker parts around the bed that can go untouched for weeks; this could be underneath your bed or behind any bedside tables. Even that pile of clothes you've been meaning to sort can create the perfect nest for spiders, so moving things around regularly can prevent any nasty surprises." Mr Parkinson also advises washing all bedding and giving it a thorough shake prior to use. It may also be worth using a dehumidifier to tackle moisture build-up - as spiders are particularly drawn to warm and damp environments.