As temperatures drop and spiders begin to seek shelter indoors, many people find the discovery of these eight-legged visitors unsettling. Despite their sudden appearance and often hard-to-reach webs causing discomfort, the RSPCA urges householders to think twice before resorting to harsh measures such as squashing or discarding them.
Far from being mere pests, indoor spiders contribute significantly to local ecosystems. Dr Rebecca Machin, a wildlife expert with the RSPCA, explained: “Resident spiders will catch and eat animals like flies and mosquitoes, often assisting us without our awareness. They also serve as an important food source for other animals, and some birds even incorporate spider silk into their nests.”
While the instinct to remove spiders immediately may be common, Dr Machin advises leaving them undisturbed when possible. “Spiders generally keep out of our way, and in the UK, the species typically found in homes are not harmful. In most situations, it’s best to leave them be,” she said.
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For those uncomfortable with spiders, Dr Machin recommends a gentle eviction method: “If arachnophobia affects you or someone in your household, the best approach is to carefully trap the spider using a glass and slide a piece of paper underneath to contain it. Then, relocate the spider to a safe outdoor environment, such as a bush or hedge, where it can find food.”
Despite these humane handling suggestions, spiders currently lack legal protection. “Invertebrates-animals without backbones-are not covered under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, meaning their welfare receives no specific legal safeguarding,” Dr Machin noted.
However, ongoing scientific research may soon influence legal standards. “Growing evidence suggests many invertebrates, including spiders and insects, may be sentient, capable of positive and negative experiences, including pain. As our understanding of sentience expands, legal protections will hopefully extend to more species,” she added. This includes decapod crustaceans like crabs and lobsters, as well as cephalopod molluscs such as squid and octopus, which are recognised as sentient but remain outside the Act’s protection.
Dr Machin concluded, “Every animal deserves to be treated with kindness and respect, regardless of its size or legal status.”