It could be their alien-like eyes, needle-like legs or the sensation of them crawling over you. Whatever triggers it, many people are afraid of spiders.
However, the fear people have for spiders is often based upon misconceptions and half-truths about these creatures.
As fear often stems from the unknown, let’s learn more about them by looking at the 10 most common UK spiders.
Money Spider
Associated with good fortune, the Money Spider is the smallest in the country, reaching sizes of 5mm or less.
They have black or grey bodies, and are normally found among leaves or vegetation growing close to the ground. Occasionally they are found indoors.
Giant House Spider
These spiders can reach widths of 12cm and have brown bodies. They sometimes live in houses as the name suggests, but are more likely to be found in gardens and sheds. Although they can bite, they’re not particularly aggressive to humans.
Zebra Jumping Spider
Distinctively white with black marks, Zebra Jumping Spiders can reach sizes of just 8mm and although they do bite, it’s very rare.
False Widow Spider
If you gasped when you saw the name, we’re not surprised given the similarity in looks to their infamous cousin the Black Widow Spider. Although there have been UK spider invasions of this species, and despite False Widow females having been known to bite humans, they’re not aggressive, and this only happens rarely.
Look for them in conservatories, garages, lofts and window frames. They have dark brown bodies with big round abdomens.
Cupboard Spider
The creepy sounding name is given to this spider because they are found in cupboards. They can reach sizes of 10mm and are either black, brown or dark purple. Although they bite, they are not considered aggressive and their bites aren’t dangerous.
Tube Web Spiders
They can reach sizes of 23mm and have three groups of 2 eyes and a stunning green jaw. Of all the common UK spiders in this post, these are the most dangerous, with a strong bite the effects of which can last for a few hours.
Daddy Long Legs
Another spider there are some misconceptions about. However, there is no evidence to suggest they are dangerous to humans.
They have extraordinary long legs and have small oval/round bodes. Occasionally, you may see one as big as 45mm.
Lace Web Spider
Along with the Tube Web Spider, these can grow to 12mm and are found more in the southern half of the country. Look out for yellow markings on a brown abdomen. And be careful, because they can bite, and it may be sore for at least 12 hours.
Cardinal Spiders – Largest of the Common UK Spiders
Reaching sizes of 14cm, these have a reddish-brown colouring and live in walls of buildings. They only bite on rare occasions with painless results.
Missing Sector Orb Spider
With a strange silver-grey abdomen and brown leaf pattern on their back, these curious creatures are found on windowsills, and are not a threat.