House spider

[fredpuli47]

A 'house spider' has just appeared in the house. What's the best way to ensure its survival? Is it best to put it outside in the garden or to put it in a barn or the garage or just leave it to its own devices ? Do house spiders survive as adults over winter or are the several species ones that survive only as eggs ? (If no, my Franciscan enthusiasm may be somewhat excessive ! )

[Androcles]

This topic attracted some BBC coverage recently; http://news.bbc.co.uk.../sci/tech/8273960.stm

[LoftyLottie]

I have a house full of them at the moment. I quickly had to get over my spider phobia when I moved into our cottage with beams, etc. I now just let them be - except if they on the ceiling over the bed or in the bath/shower when I politely ask them to move off somewhere else.

[carlton23]

I take them outside and let them take their chances as there ain`t nowt to eat in my house.

[andy-hughes]

You shouldn't put them outside, they won't survive.

The common conception is that spiders in the house are garden spiders than have come in. Probably untrue. The house spider is used to very occasional food and almost no water, as well as being warm, so outside it will perish pretty quickly.

Best thing is to ignore them if you can. They travel around the house, so you may not see them again in their lifetime, and they do keep flies and similar insecits down.

[suzie1]

what if you put it in a jar

[fredpuli47]

Thanks. I think its tegenaria atrica, but it never stops long enough to give its name.Too busy looking for a mate,I expect.
I'll leave it be, following andy's advice. If it can survive for weeks or months without a drink, it'll be at home in this house..