Easily alarmed arachnophobes will no doubt be shuddering at the news that it's mating season for spiders.
Over the coming weeks, so-called Giant House Spiders will scuttle quite literally out of the woodwork to go on the prowl.
These beady-eyed, eight-legged trespassers, which can grow up to 12cm long, will be in search of a warm and dry place to mate.
And one pest control expert believes they have probably been lying in wait in nooks and crannies in your home for much of the year.
In hiding
Steve McGrail, from Pro-Kill Environmental, told our sister paper the the Manchester Evening News : “The male spiders come out the woodwork during this time of year as it is breeding season and they are searching for female spiders.
“They are actually there in the home at other times of year but they are hidden away - under the floor, in the attic, in the basement. If you find them, it’s pretty much impossible to rid your house of them.
“They may disappear for a period of time, but other spiders will come in their place.
"The best thing to do if you find them is put them in a shed - it's a case of out of sight, out of mind. If you put them outside, they are likely to die.”
But don't worry, they don't pose a threat to humans and they're generally reluctant to bite.
How can we keep them out of our homes?
Keeping your house clean and tidy is by far the most effective way to keep them at bay, as well as sealing up any gaps in your doors and windows.
Spiders hate the aroma of citrus peels so a few strategically placed lemon or lime peels might also help to deter them.
Have you come across any bigger than usual spiders in your home? Tweet us your pictures @ChesterChron or send them to newsroom@cheshirenews.co.uk.
