Creepy-crawlies with a nasty bite could be making their way into homes this autumn.

Swarms of false widow spiders are set to invade after warm weather boosted their numbers.

As the weather gets colder they will move inside and terrify those who mistake them for the deadly black widow, which is not found in Britain.

The spiders can nip humans when threatened and, although often the bite is similar to a bee or wasp sting, they can cause allergic reactions in some people.

The eight-legged-creatures are widespread across the south of the UK and there have been several reports of bites.

Last year News Shopper reported a false widow had bitten a 78-year-old army veteran at his home in Swanley leaving him house bound for two weeks.

In April an Orpington man filmed his gruesome wound after being bitten by one of the critters.

Back in 2013, two people needed hospital treatment after false widow spider bites in Sutton.

Jess Price, a conservation officer from the Sussex Wildlife Trust told the Argus newspaper: “This particular spider is known as a steatoda grossa and is native to this country.

“It can give you a bite, which will feel like a wasp or a bee sting and there may be some people who may react badly to that.

“If you spot one outside then you can simply leave it alone and it will do no harm and will actually do good by eating insects.

“Obviously if they come into the house, people may not want them there. We would suggest not trying to pick them up but you can remove them using a paper and cup or glass.”

She added: “Spiders are around most of the time but they are normally hidden away in dark places and corners so you don’t see you don’t always see them.

“The females will normally remain on the webs but the males will be more out and about. This is the peak time for spotting them.”