UK households advised to close windows by 8pm to deter spiders during mating season

Seasonal Advice: Closing Windows by 8pm

As summer ends and temperatures drop, UK households are being advised to close their windows by around 8pm as part of efforts to keep spiders out during the current mating season. The advice comes from window experts at SolarFrame, who say that mature male spiders are becoming particularly active at night as they leave their webs in search of females.

Darren Coates, sales director at SolarFrame, explained that shutting windows as darkness falls removes one of the easiest routes for spiders to enter homes. "Closing your windows won't completely stop spiders getting into your home, but it takes away one of the easiest routes in," he said. "At the minute, I'd be looking to close them by around 8pm, particularly if you've had them wide open all day. That's roughly when it starts getting dark across much of the country, so rather than leaving windows open well into the night, get into the habit of shutting them as the evening draws in."

Why the 8pm Cutoff?

The timing is linked to sunset, which now occurs earlier across much of the UK. With darkness falling around 8pm, open windows and doors can provide an easy entry point for spiders, according to reports from multiple outlets. As September progresses and the sun sets even earlier, SolarFrame recommends bringing the 8pm cutoff forward, adapting the routine as winter approaches.

The Breeding Factor

Spiders are in breeding season during this period, which lasts from now until late October, often referred to as "spider season." Adult male spiders venture from their webs in pursuit of females, becoming more active after dark. This seasonal behaviour leads many people to notice a sudden increase of spiders in their homes, as the creatures roam indoors in search of mates.

A single female house spider can produce an egg sac containing around 70 young spiders, according to information highlighted in several reports. This means that the more male spiders that gain easy access to a home, the greater the likelihood of female spiders laying egg sacs within living areas.

Practical Steps Beyond Windows

In addition to closing windows, Coates advises that external doors should also be closed, particularly if they have been propped open. He recommends checking for cracks or gaps around windows and doors and fixing any damage. "If a window doesn't close properly, the seals are damaged or there are gaps around the frame, it's worth getting that sorted," he said. "There's not much point shutting a window to keep things outside if there's another way straight through."

The expert also suggested that anyone keen to avoid unwanted encounters should focus on removing obvious entry points around windows and doors, rather than relying solely on common spider-repellent myths.

While the presence of spiders can be unsettling for some, the advice is aimed at keeping them outdoors without causing them harm, as spiders play an essential role in the ecosystem. By making a simple habit of closing windows and doors before dusk, households can reduce the likelihood of spider intrusion as the nights draw in.