Randy spiders – some as big as mice – are set to invade south London and Surrey homes.
The critters, which can grow up to 12cm long, could be finding their way into living rooms this autumn.
And they are being driven into the open by their urge to mate, having spent most of the year hidden away, according to a top animal expert.
Steve McGrail, from Pro-Kill Environmental, said: “The male spiders come out during this time of year as it is breeding season and they are searching for female spiders.
“They are actually there in the home at other times of year but they are hidden away – under the floor, in the attic, in the basement. If you find them, it’s pretty much impossible to rid your house of them.
“They may disappear for a period of time, but other spiders will come in their place. The best thing to do if you find them is put them in a shed – it’s a case of out of sight, out of mind. If you put them outside they are likely to die.”
The sex-crazed giant house spiders have a bite which can penetrate human skin leaving a stinging feeling, but they will not attack unless provoked and their venom is harmless to humans.
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