Thousands of fish-eating spiders as big as a human HAND are on the loose in Britain – as map reveals where colonies lurk
FISH-EATING spiders the size of human hands are on the loose in Britain - here's a map revealing where colonies are lurking.
Thousands of Fen raft spiders are set to invade the UK after the critters had their "biggest mating season on record".
Arachnophobes may be terrified to learn Chester Zoo released thousands of the eight-legged creatures - and there are more than 10,000 breeding females ready to increase the population.
The wildlife charity explained the species can "grow to be the size of your hand" and "you can't miss them".
Despite the fear these semi-aquatic spiders may spark, zoologists are positive about the hike in numbers as they had been in terminal decline.
The spiders were introduced to four sites in the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads, in eastern England.
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They were translocated in the Castle Marshes, a nature reserve west of Lowestoft in Suffolk managed by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the Carlton Marshes, situated in the Waveney Valley at the southern tip of the Broads National Park, on the Suffolk-Norfolk boarder.
Elsewhere, spiders were also set free in the Mid-Yare Marshes, a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest east of Norwich in Norfolk, England.
The final translocation site was the Ludham Marshes, a nature reserve within the Broad National Park.
Meanwhile, there are remnant populations in South Wales, East Sussex and East Anglia.
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Fen raft spiders can run across the surface of water to catch their prey and they're able to detect the slightest movements below the surface thanks to tiny hairs on their legs.
Chester Zoo said: "Ten years ago we helped release thousands of giant spiders back into the UK!
"The Fen Raft Spiders were bred right here at the zoo, and we're super happy to report there are now more than 10,000 breeding females and they've just had the biggest mating season on record!"
Although they may look threatening, this species of spider is harmless to humans.
Chester Zoo highlighted how they play an integral part within aquatic ecosystems.
Their diet includes other spiders, damselflies, dragonfly larvae and pond skaters, and they will even catch fish and tadpoles.
However, 15 years ago, the species almost became extinct after the destruction of its wetland home.
In order to save the species, the zoo raised hundreds of baby spiders in individual test tubes as part of a collaborative conservation breeding rescue programme in partnership with the RSPB.
Chester Zoo said: "Our team delicately hand fed tiny flies to each of the hundreds of spiderlings using tweezers, day in, day out, for weeks on end in our bio-secure breeding facility.
"Eventually, the young spiders grew strong enough to be returned to their natural habitat, which our partners worked to restore, and we released them in their hundreds!"
Many have been quick to respond to the announcement on X.
One user commented: "Crikey! Hope they don't come into homes."
Another said: "Fantastic news! I'd love to see them up close.
"Maybe one day, hopefully!"
Someone else put: "Is there any way at all you can post about this with literally any other image??
"Very arachnophobic here."
A fourth wrote: "Wow, not sure how I'd feel if I came across one of those - where exactly were they released?"
RSPB Mid Yare nature reserves site manager, Tim Strudwick, said: "The Fen Raft Spider is one of the UK's rarest invertebrates and we are proud of the role our reserves and teams have played in its recovery.
"These spiders have an important role in maintaining the rich aquatic diversity found in the grazing ditches on our reserves. The females are impressive in size, but also beautiful - they are truly special to see!"
Nevertheless, if Brits are living in fear these arachnids could invade their home - there are prevention steps to take.
Experts advise keeping your home clean and tidy as spiders are attracted to clutter and debris they can hide in.
The animals also love firewood as they can shelter inside, easily construct webs and lay their eggs.
Insects love this type of environment too, which means more food for the spiders.
Consider this when deciding where to store your wood.
Another top tip is to remove any food sources.
Insecticides, traps and baits can be used to eliminate critters - and kill two birds with one stone by further deterring anything looking to eat them.
How to spot the Fen Raft Spider
The Fen Raft Spider is Britain's biggest, making them far from difficult to spot.
The best way to see them is when the females create a nursery for their young, according to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).
Tim Strudwick, reserves manager for the RSPB in the mid Yare valley in Norfolk, said: “The female lays her eggs into a sack and when the young come out of that sack about three weeks later, they form a nursery in the water plants.
"You can see it just above the water surface.
"So this is what we’re counting, once you see one and get your eye in you start seeing them everywhere because they are quite a unique thing.”
He added: “They catch the dew and if you come on a morning, a sunny morning, the light goes through them, and they glow – you can see them with the naked eye 20m or so away.”
Spiders also hate the smells of peppermint, basil, lavender and citronella.
Keeping these scents nearby can discourage the arachnids from coming into your home.
Consider making a peppermint spray from 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil, and water.
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Spray this around your home - particularly entry points like doorways and windowsills - to keep spiders out.
It's a happy bonus that peppermint smells quite appealing to humans.
