Spider mating season is upon us and now large eight-legged creatures are starting to invade homes across the UK.

Unfortunately for arachnophobes , there are currently more than 650 different species of spiders in Britain, all of whom can bite.

However, most will probably be happy to hear that only 12 of those species have enough venom to inflict harm on a human.

Here, we take a look at some of the spiders that are most commonly found in our homes and which are actually able to hurt you.

Take a look at which eight-legged creepy crawlies you should be wary of and which you can (sort of) relax around.

Giant house spider

Measuring up to 12cm, this species of spider is most commonly spotted in autumn during mating season.

You are most likely to find them in the bath, but unfortunately they can also be found on walls, ceilings, in cabinets and in dark basements.

Giant house spiders can measure up to 12cm

Some sources suggest bites from the giant house spider involve pain equal to a bee sting , which is usually localized and lasts for a matter of hours.

Luckily, these spiders are generally reluctant to bite, preferring to escape - they're fast runners, but only for small amounts of time.

Daddy long-legs

These creepy crawlies, unlike their hairy giant house spider relatives, have small grey bodies and long thin legs.

This specie of spider, also known as the Pholcus phalangiodes, can measure up to 4.5cm.

A cellar spider

Daddy long-legs are found in every continent in the world, except Antarctica where it is too cold for them to survive, and are quite commonly found in warm, dry places, such as household windows and attics.

Urban myths suggest this spider contains the most potent venom but that their fangs aren't strong enough to penetrate human skin.

Reports into this suggests that the spiders CAN bite - but the venom will, at worst, only deliver a brief mild burning sensation.

False widow spider

The false widow spider has been cited as Britain's most venomous spider and are known to have bitten humans.

The species, known as steatoda nobilis, measures up to 20mm overall and has a dark brown colour and large abdomen.

A false widow spider found in Birmingham

Female false widow spiders are known to bite, but they're not usually aggressive and attacks on people are rare.

Symptoms of a false widow bite range from a numb sensation around the affected area to severe swelling and discomfort.

In serious cases there can be levels of burning or chest pains, depending on the amount of venom injected.

Cardinal spider

This terrifying species is the largest spider in the UK, with some growing to an overall length of 14cm.

In the UK it is known as the cardinal spider because of the legend that Cardinal Wolsey was scared by this species at Hampton Court.

The cardinal spider is the largest spider in the UK

They are mainly thought to be a harmless species, but these eight-legged creatures are still feared due to their size and incredible speed.

Bites from these spiders are rare and painless.

Lace web spider

Autumn is the time of year where you will most commonly see these hairy creatures in your homes, while they try to find a mate.

Unfortunately for the UK, heavy rainfall often forces these spiders into houses, usually after being flooded out of their own homes.

These spiders usually grow to around 2cm and are brown, with their abdomen covered in yellow markings.

Autumn is the time of year you will most commonly find lace web spiders

Unlike the cardinal spider, these are known to bite people and their bites are reported to be painful.

You will know if you've been targeted by one of these, as the bite symptoms usually consist of localised swelling for around 12 hours.

Tube web spider

As could be guessed from their name, this species create a tube-like web in order to catch their prey.

The tube web spider is most commonly found in cracks of buildings, where they hide in the entrance of their webs waiting.

This web look familiar?

These spiders can be found in British towns such as Cornwall, Gloucester, Dover, Southampton and Bristol.

Tube web spiders do bite, with the pain reportedly being similar to a deep injection and lasting several hours.

The bites do not appear to have lasting effects.

Missing sector orb web spider

This spider, which can measure up to 1.5cm, is named because its orb webs have one full sector missing.

Also known as zygiella x-notata, the eight-legged creature is relatively small and common around gardens and homes in the UK.

A web made by a missing sector orb web spider

The arachnid, which is not harmful to humans, has a pale body and pale legs, with silvery-grey markings on its abdomen.

It is usually spotted indoors during autumn and winter, particularly in Leicestershire and Rutland, as the species prefers warmth.

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