Large spiders are coming into UK homes but several household items can be used to scare them away.

Homeowners across the country have noticed a rise in the number of spiders as well as the size of them in recent weeks.

This comes after news that tarantulas were confirmed to be in the UK in the form of purseweb spiders.

Fresh herbs such as basil, rosemary, and mint placed around the home can ward off spiders due to their strong smell.

Tarantulas are in the UK (stock image).Tarantulas are in the UK (stock image). (Image: Pexels)

Essential oils including peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender mixed with water can also scare off arachnids due to the scent.

It is advisable to leave traces of their scent in the most spider-prone entry areas like windows and doors.

Citrus scents are also a winner as spiders detest citrus so lemon-scented cleaners for example will help keep them at bay.

Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) recently provided some information on why the spiders are making their way into homes.

A BBOWT spokesperson said: “Spiders live alongside us all year round and this is something to celebrate, not fear

“These amazing animals are a vital part of our ecosystems, feeding on an astounding number of insects.

“Some spiders have found their perfect home in our houses, hiding away behind furniture and hunting the other invertebrates that find their way inside, from house flies to wasps and mosquitoes.

“They tend to keep themselves to themselves, preferring dark corners where they can live in peace.

“But in late summer and early autumn, some spiders become more active as males reach maturity and seek out a female to woo.”