Swindon residents give spiders the cold shoulder

As ‘spider season’ approaches, new research shows people in Swindon would rather evict the eight-legged creatures from their home than leave them alone.

A survey by housebuilder David Wilson Homes, developers of Tadpole Garden Village, revealed just 19 per cent of people in Swindon would happily let a spider live in their house if they spotted one.

Conversely nearly half (43 per cent) would send it on its way with the classic glass and paper out the window trick.

It seems Swindon residents are not shy in asking for help when dealing with arachnid invaders either, with 20 per cent admitting they’d ask someone else to get rid of it.

David Wilson Homes sales director Louise Ware says she’s not surprised by the figures. “As a nation we seem to find it difficult to shake our fear of spiders. What might bring comfort to those faced with a spider in their home is that the presence of spiders could be a sign that your home is in good health.

“Spiders are attracted to warm environments, particularly in the autumn and winter, so if you see one in your new home it could be a sign that it’s well insulated.”

The beginning of September is traditionally known as the start of spider season, as the creatures head into the warm to find a mate. Despite spiders regularly topping the list of biggest fears, most are completely harmless, particularly those found in the UK.

David Wilson Homes’ survey, which comes as ‘spider season’ approaches, also shed light on other ways Swindon residents would deal with spiders in their home.

Six per cent of respondents to the survey said they’d get rid of a spider with a fly swatter, while just three per cent would use a spider trap. Other responses included using a hoover or fashioning a makeshift catcher from a kitchen roll.