UK homeowners urged to clean one thing or risk 'painful spiders' entering their home

With spider season in full effect, an expert warns it may be your windows that are actually inviting false widows and other dangerous species into your home and it’s how dirty your windows are that attract the scary creatures.

According to Dr Tom Elwood, a UK-based arachnologist, unclean window frames, dusty corners and cracked seals are ideal hiding spots for spiders and attract the insects they hunt.

“Spider season kicks off in August,” says Dr Elwood, “and dirty windows offer the perfect conditions - warmth, insects and shelter. If your window sills aren't clean or covered in cobwebs, you could be welcoming spiders inside.”

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False widows are undeniably the UK’s most feared spider, and are usually to blame for bites. While the majority aren’t dangerous, in rare cases they can cause serious infection, swelling and pain. They’re usually found in window corners, sheds, garages and undisturbed indoor spaces, and they thrive in warmer environments.

In one severe case from Berkshire, personal trainer Ivan Savage nearly died in 2023 after being bitten by a false widow in his home. He was hospitalised with sepsis and needed emergency surgery after pest control discovered over 500 false widows inside the property.

Although deaths are extremely rare, a 60-year-old woman in Hampshire died in 2014 after developing sepsis believed to be linked to a false widow bite making it one of the UK’s only confirmed fatal cases.

Why now and what you should do

Spider season begins in early August, when rising temperatures drive male spiders indoors in search of mates. While sightings tend to peak in September, the early weeks are when it’s easiest to prevent an infestation.

“The spiders don’t wait until autumn,” Dr Elwood explains. “They’re already active and if your windows are neglected, you’ve basically left the door open.”

Experts are urging homeowners especially in high-alert areas like Bristol, Essex, Devon, Kent, London and Norfolk to start cleaning now. That means wiping window sills, scrubbing corners, resealing cracked frames and removing any cobwebs or build up that could attract insects.

You don’t need harsh chemicals. A simple mix of white vinegar and warm water sprayed onto glass and frames, wiped with a microfibre cloth or old newspaper, can be just as effective and safer for pets and skin.

And staying on top of it matters. Experts recommend cleaning every 7 to 10 days during the season.

Because once spiders move in especially ones like the false widow it’s no longer just an inconvenience. It can become a health risk.