Massive spiders hit Bucks
WITH the evenings getting darker and Hallowe'en just around the corner, people could be forgiven for thinking that the only monsters they are likely to see will be in horror films on the television.
However, this year, homes across Bucks have been invaded by huge, eight-legged freaks, which live under sofas and beds and in nooks and crannies in living rooms.
For the past few weeks, residents have been getting a shock as these creatures have emerged from the shadows to scuttle across the carpet to take refuge in another dark corner before they can be caught.
According to experts, this year, the common house spider has grown to a record size, and have become bolder than usual, leading to a large number of sightings.
Philip Kirkby, of Great Hivings, Chesham, says that he has seen three of the creatures in his home in the past two weeks.
He said: "They are massive, and they seem to appear from nowhere. I was watching TV the other night and one ran across the living room floor.
"It gave my kids quite a fright, so I tried to catch it to put it outside, but they are unbelievably quick and they can also jump as well.
"They're really creepy and are very difficult to catch."
This year, house spiders are said to have grown to such a size because of the hot spring, followed by a wet summer and then a warm September.
They are especially prevalent in rural areas, where they have easy access to people's homes from bushes and undergrowth outside.
Elizabeth Brodie, 46, of Gerrards Cross, said: "They definitely seem bigger than usual. I can see why people find them scary. It's one thing knowing that they're harmless but another thing to be brave enough to try and catch one.
"I always try and scoop them into a glass and then put them outside because I feel bad killing them, but it is easier said than done. They don't want to be caught and they move very fast.
"Even my cat has a hard time catching them, and the dog runs away when he sees them."
Although the spiders do carry venom, experts say that they are not harmful at all to humans.
Ben Grant, of the conservation charity Buglife, says: "Autumn is mating season for spiders, which is why they are so much bolder at this time of year and there are more sightings.
"They are looking for mates, but they are completely harmless and they are nothing to worry about.
"If you see them in your house, the best thing to do is to try and scoop them up and put them outside. They'll try and escape but they don't pose any threat at all."
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Found a massive one in my bath the other day. It was using my shampoo and asked if could it borrow a towel. I was too terrified to refuse.