THE days are getting chillier and the nights are drawing in – Autumn is definitely here.
And with it comes the increase in spiders.
Over the next few weeks our eight-legged friends are becoming more visible, with garden spiders getting fatter for laying eggs and house spiders building webs.
The last few years have been bad for wildlife, with low numbers of moths, spiders and crane flies.
But spiders are very important for biodiversity, they control the populations of other insects, and themselves provide food for a host of other wildlife.
“There is no need to be scared of spiders, they help keep the number of flies in our homes low and they form a valuable part of the food chain,” says Sarah Bennett, Cheshire and Merseyside regional biodiversity manager.
“There are a number of species – some live in trees and shrubs whilst others live in our homes.
“Insectivorous birds such as blue tits love feeding on spiders.”
On a good day, a pair of swifts feeding young can catch 20,000 insects and spiders.
And those who don't like them should just leave them alone – and they will leave you alone.
But if you can bear it, get up close and have a look at how beautiful and interesting they are...