Here at Rentokil, we understand that spiders can sometimes cause a stir. While many are harmless and even beneficial to the ecosystem, we know that sharing your space with eight-legged lodgers can be unsettling. That’s why we’ve put together this friendly guide to some of the most common spider species you might encounter in the UK. We believe that understanding these fascinating creatures is the first step to coexisting peacefully (or knowing when to call in the experts!).
Note: While most UK spiders are harmless, some can bite, and a few (like the False Widow) can deliver a more painful nip. If you’re concerned about a spider bite, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.
Let’s meet the neighbours:
- The Common House Spider:
- These are the most common spiders you’ll find indoors. They’re generally brown or grey, and their webs are often messy and irregular. They’re not aggressive and prefer to scuttle away when disturbed. They’re also great at catching other unwanted insects!
- The Labyrinth Spider:
- Also known as the Cellar Spider, this species creates intricate, maze-like webs in dark corners and damp areas. They’re usually brown or grey and have long legs.
- The Cucumber Spider:
- These small, green spiders are often found in gardens and greenhouses. They have a distinctive green body and long legs. They’re not harmful and can help control aphids.
- The Cave Spider:
- These spiders are found in caves, mines, and other dark, damp places. They’re usually brown or black and have long legs. They’re not aggressive but can bite if provoked.
- The False Widow Spider:
- False Widows are a group of spider species that have gained attention in the UK in recent years, largely due to their resemblance to the more dangerous Black Widow. Although they may look similar, they are not closely related. These spiders are typically dark brown or black with a bulbous abdomen. While bites from some species can be more painful than those of most native UK spiders, they are rarely serious. False Widows are commonly found in warm, sheltered environments such as sheds, garages, conservatories and attics.
- The Green Huntsman Spider:
- This large, green spider is found in gardens, parks and woods, more commonly in the South of England. This spider prefers damp, sheltered woodlands and camouflages itself in green shrubbery and moss, then pounces on passing small insects.
- The Black Lace Weaver Spider:
- These spiders are black and create intricate, lace-like webs. They’re often found in gardens and woodlands. They’re not aggressive and are rarely seen indoors.
- The Jumping Spider:
- These small spiders are known for their excellent jumping ability. They’re often found on flowers and walls. They’re not harmful and can be quite entertaining to watch.
- The Buzzing Spider:
- This spider gets its name from the buzzing sound it makes when it rubs its legs together. They’re usually brown or grey and are often found in gardens, parks and woodlands. They’re not harmful and are seldom seen indoors.
- The Running Crab Spider:
- This spider gets its name from its crab-like appearance. They’re often found in gardens and woodlands. They’re not harmful and can be swift.
- The Giant House Spider:
- This is one of the largest spiders in the UK! They can reach a length of up to 20cm. They’re usually brown or grey and are often found in sheds, garages, and other outbuildings. Despite their size, they’re not aggressive.
- The Money Spider:
- This tiny spider is often found in homes and gardens. They’re usually yellow or brown and have a long, thin body. They’re not harmful and are often considered good luck.
- The Common Garden Spider:
- These spiders are known for their beautiful, circular webs, often with a distinctive cross pattern in the centre. They come in various shades of brown, yellow, and red. You’ll usually find them in gardens, weaving their webs between plants and bushes.
- The Yellow Sac Spider:
- This spider is yellow or brown and has a long, thin body. They’re often found in homes and gardens. They’re not harmful and can be quite fast.
- The Marbled Orb Weaver Spider:
- This spider is black with white markings and creates a large, orb-shaped web. They’re often found in gardens and woodlands. They’re not harmful and are hardly ever seen inside.
- The Four Spot Weaver Spider:
- This spider is black with four white spots on its back. They’re often found in gardens, parks and woodlands. They’re not harmful and are rarely seen indoors.
- The Tube Web Spider:
- This spider builds a tube-shaped web in dark, damp places. They’re usually brown or grey, with distinctive green fangs, and have long legs. They’re not harmful and are rarely seen indoors.
- The Sheetweb Spider:
- This spider builds a sheet-like web in dark, damp locations. They’re usually brown or grey and have long legs. They’re not harmful and are seldom seen indoors.
Living in Harmony (or Not! ) with Spiders:
While most UK spiders are harmless, we understand that some people prefer to keep their distance. If you’re concerned about spiders in your premises, Rentokil offers effective False Widow inspection and monitoring solution for your business. Our expert technicians can identify the species present and recommend the best course of action.