As Scotland braces for a dramatic increase in the number of spiders hiding in homes and offices, a zoo is offering phobia sessions that let people get up close and personal with the arachnids.
A trip to Amazonia to see the creatures could be just the cure for those who fear them.
Zoo manager Amanda Gott said: “Anyone who has a real fear of spiders can sign up for our phobia sessions which have been designed to ease the distress of coming across one in your home.
“Our knowledgeable staff will chat through fascinating spider facts as well as introducing you to small house spiders along with our resident tarantulas that are actually very sweet.
“We have carried out a few sessions and they are proving successful, with visitors overcoming their fears.”
The country is set to see an influx of spiders due to perfect weather conditions for the beasties to thrive in.
Recent wet weather is enabling them to grow and breed at faster rates than usually seen in the country, by making it more difficult for flies and other insects to escape sticky cobwebs.
House spiders usually remain in their webs during the summer months, often in sheds and garages. They may be more abundant within houses come September, as breeding season begins for many and the males usually go on the hunt for a mate, often leading them indoors.
As one of the most common phobias, this news is sure to strike fear into thousands of Scots.
However, Amanda explained why the majority of spiders are not that scary after all.
She said: “Spiders are fascinating creatures and can sometimes be difficult to identify as there are so many different species.
“Those native to Scotland are nothing to worry about. You may come across ones that are larger, due to an abundance of food this summer and some spiders may bite, but the native species to the UK do not have strong enough venom to harm a human and often bee and wasp stings are more painful.”
Amazonia is home to an array of exotic animals from tarantulas and pythons to monkeys and parrots.
It is open between 10am and 6pm seven days a week and is situated within M&D’s Theme Park, Strathclyde Park.