SPIDER season is believed to have begun early this year but why are we suddenly seeing more of the little critters than usual?

The main reason is that it is mating season and males are on the lookout for love.

Female spiders tend to stay in warmer comfortable surroundings and males, possibly also to get out of the recent wet weather, are heading indoors to breed.

They've spent most of the summer gorging on flies, moths and other insects and becoming sexually mature in the meantime.

Now they're ready to act on it.

What type of spiders am I likely to see - and will they bite me?

Money spiders

​Totally harmless and traditionally believed to bring good luck, more than 40 per cent of Britain's spiders belong to this family.

Daddy Long Legs or Cellar spiders

Although these are big, they are harmless and do eat a lot of other spiders, including some of the bigger ones.

House spiders

These are the biggest of Britain's spiders, with some reaching an overall size of 12cm. It's one of the only species to match a large body with large thick legs.

Lace web spiders

Don't get these confused with false widow spiders although they both bite. These guys are longer in body but with shorter legs.

False widows

The false widow is unlikely to bite you unless you sit on it or it gets trapped in your clothes. Should you get bitten, it should be no more painful than a wasp sting, experts say.

Zebra jumping spiders

These spiders are tiny - but harmless although they do jump which might freak you out.

Missing sector orb weaver

​This is another spider often mis-identified as a false widow, but is easily distinguished because it spinds a circular web rather than the vertical scaffold-like strands of a false widow.

How do I get rid of them?

There's no way you can get rid of them completely but there are some old wives tales and tricks which might help.

These include:

  • Keep your house clean.
  • Some advice says limit lighting, others says let lots of natural light in. Let us know what works.
  • Apparently spiders hate strong scents. So essential oils are always a good trick.
  • Spraying vinegar also works - but your house might smell like a chip shop.
  • As does garlic. But that's also a matter of taste.
  • Some say conkers in bowls by doors and windows (there's no actual evidence this works though).
  • Get a dog. Some of them will eat them for you. Or a cat.

How long does spider season last?

It's fairly short-lived and only lasts for a few weeks and since it's early this year, it may end early too.