[Denver]

Any arachnophobes should look away now - because the UK is being taken over by a 150-million strong invasion of giant house spiders.

The eight-legged beasts can grow up to 7.5cm in size and are usually a dark orange or brown.

They usually enter homes in the UK between late September and October, but experts are warning there could be more than ever before this year.

MailOnline readers up and down the country have sent in pictures of the gruesome creatures spotted lurking in their homes.

According to experts the recent wet weather has meant the insects and flies spiders eat have been easier for them to catch - which means they're even bigger this year.

Naturalist Malcolm D Welshman said: 'It's boosted their population – hence 150 million are now on the march indoors as the spider-nesting season starts.

Simon Garrett, head of Conservation Learning at Bristol Zoological Society added: 'Spiders don't specifically want to enter your home – in fact, they'd rather stay away as there's less food and it's too dry and clean. It is the need to mate that changes their behaviour.

'Some will move into a house if there is an entry point for them.'

After a male has found a female's web, he remains there for a number of weeks, mating repeatedly with her.

The female then stores the sperm over the winter, allowing her to produce more than ten egg sacs – each containing up to 60 eggs – the following spring.

Giant house spiders, scientific name Eratigena atrica, are larger and bolder than the more common 'ordinary' house spiders.

Pest controllers recommend sealing cracks in doors and removing plants from the outside of the house to prevent spiders entering your home.

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