As the weather turns cooler, more spiders may find their way into homes. While many people find them unsettling, the RSPCA advises caution before squishing them or throwing them out the window.
Helpful visitors
The charity notes that these eight-legged creatures serve a purpose. Dr Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert with the group, said: "Resident spiders will catch and eat animals like flies and mosquitoes so they are often helping us without us even realising."
"They are also an important food source to other animals, and some birds even use bits of spider silk to help build their nests."
A gentle approach
Dr Machin recommends a hands-off approach where possible. She said: "As well as the benefits that spiders provide by being in your home, they tend to keep out of our way, and those in the UK are not harmful so in most cases, it's best to leave them be."
Where arachnophobia is a concern, she advises: "The best way to remove the spider is to gently place a glass over to contain them, then gently slide a piece of paper underneath to hold them in while you take them outside."
Safe placement outdoors
The expert also stressed the importance of where spiders are released. She said: "Make sure to place them somewhere that is safe, and where they'll be able to find food, such as in a bush or hedge."
Legal protections
Despite the humane approach, spiders have no legal protections. Dr Machin said: "Invertebrates - animals without backbones - are sadly not covered by the Animal Welfare Act 2006, which means their welfare has no legal protection."
She added: "There is increasing evidence that many invertebrates, such as spiders and insects, may be sentient. This means that they may have positive and negative experiences, including feeling pain."
"As we continue to learn more about how sentient animals are, their protections should increase - and this includes animals such as crabs and lobsters (known as decapod crustaceans) and squid and octopus (cephalopod molluscs) who, despite being legally recognised as sentient, are also not covered by the Animal Welfare Act. Ultimately, every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect."
