CREEPY CRAWLIES
Spiders the size of RATS invade UK in their thousands as homeowners given urgent warning
Scroll down to find out everything you need to know about spiders
AN URGENT warning has been issued to homeowners as the UK is swarming with thousands of spiders the size of rats.
Arachnophobes, look away now - Britain is being invaded by ginormous creepy crawlies setting up camp across the country.
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New research has revealed that the Fen Raft Spider, a terrifyingly large arachnid with a leg span as wide as a man's hand, is surging in population – and they're coming to a marshland near you.
The spider, once on the brink of extinction, has made a miraculous comeback thanks to a successful breeding program.
But while conservationists are celebrating, homeowners are being warned to brace themselves for the sight of these giant eight-legged beasts.
These spiders aren't just big – they’re massive.
Pests
Their webs can stretch up to a whopping 25cm, making them the size of a pizza.
And with over 3,750 breeding females now scuttling around at 12 different sites in Norfolk alone, it's no wonder the arachnids are grabbing headlines.
In 2010, the Fen Raft Spider was clinging to survival, found only in three small locations in Suffolk and Sussex.
But a decade later, the tables have turned, and now these colossal creatures are thriving in the wet, marshy landscapes of the UK.
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Tim Strudwick, site manager at the RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves, couldn’t be prouder of the spider’s resurgence.
He said: "The Fen Raft Spider is one of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and we are proud of the role our reserves and teams have played in its recovery.
"These spiders have an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches on our reserves."
But if you’re thinking these oversized arachnids are just a pest, think again.
Strudwick describes them as :"impressive in size, but also beautiful – they are truly special to see."
With their distinctive white or cream stripes running along the sides of their abdomens, these semi-aquatic spiders are a sight to behold.
And if you’re near a pond, beware – they can run across the water's surface to snatch up their prey, which includes everything from other spiders to fish and even tadpoles.
While the species is still listed as "Vulnerable" and remains a Priority Species, the annual spider surveys in September are expected to show another successful breeding year.
So, if you fancy a close-up look at these giant spiders (and have the nerves of steel to match), head to Strumpshaw Fen in Norfolk, where the best sightings are from June to September.
RSPB ecologist Jane Sears, who has been heavily involved in the Fen Raft Spider conservation efforts, emphasized the importance of continuing to protect the spider’s habitat.
She said: "The RSPB has played an important role in the reintroduction of these spiders.
"It means we must continue to restore, manage, and protect the wetland habitats where the Fen Raft Spider thrives to ensure the future of not just this species, but many others too."
So, if you spot a spider the size of a rat scuttling near your home, don't panic – just know that Britain's biggest spider is back, and it's here to stay.
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Meanwhile, it's not just giant spiders that are bothering Brits, it's the pesky small spiders that seem to be the hardest to get rid of.
The small red spiders prove a problem for homeowners and gardeners alike, but luckily there's a way to get rid of them.
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Everthing you need to know about spiders
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