Giant spiders in search of a mate are invading homes across the UK and are big enough to set off fire alarms.

Hairy-legged creepy crawlies will start to make an appearance indoors over the coming weeks as the so-called "spider season" gets into full swing.

Many of the spiders that come into our homes are attracted by the warmth, it's also that time of year when males are in search of a partner.

And we're not joking, they're big boys - so big in fact Manchester man Andrew Taylor and his family got a real fright when their intruder alarm went off.

Already on "DEFCON 5" following a number of burglaries near his home, Andrew jumped out of bed only to discovered the alarm had in fact been set off by a whopping spider, the Manchester Evening News reported .

But it wasn’t just one hairy-legged creepy crawly, it was several.

Thankfully, his wife managed to safely evict them from the house, which he says has since been "spider-proofed" with peppermint spray.

And on Friday (August 25), there were a few squeals here at getwestlondon HQ in Guildford when a couple of monster spiders rocked up in reception.

The pair soon scuttled off to hide behind the water cooler.

Globally, there are more than 35,000 different species of spiders, yet only around 650 of these are found in the UK.

Some people suffer from arachnophobia, which is an extreme fear of spiders that can cause them to sweat, cry, and even have a panic attack.

But despite their often unnerving appearance, they do actually help us, protecting our homes and gardens by keeping them pest free.

However, we realise many people would still prefer not to share a room with them, so here’s some tips from the professionals on how to keep the spiders away.

How to keep spiders out

Pest control experts Rentokil provides the following advice on its website:

  • Vacuum regularly, high and low - particularly sheltered spots such as beneath worktops, backs of cupboards or under/behind large furniture.
  • Remove noticeable webs on a regular basis.
  • Fill in gaps - in walls, around pipework and under doors to deter entry.
  • Remove sheltering sites - like firewood piles, garden bags, compost piles and general clutter from near your property.
  • Deter all insects - use lighting in a way that is less attractive to the insects (flies) that spiders feed on.

There are the other options, such as using conkers or horse chestnuts to deter spiders.

It’s believed they give off some form of chemical that repels the eight-legged creatures, so it’s worth popping a few in the corners of the room just incase.

Peppermint oil, tea tree oil and eucalyptus oil is another suggestion.

Simply mix 15-20 drops with water in a standard spray bottle, then spray down the corners, cracks and entrances to your home.

Again, it’s thought that spiders hate the smell and will run away from it.

Share your photos of giant spiders in your home with us by sending an email to surreylive@trinitymirror.com.

Keep up to date with the latest news in west London via the free getwestlondon app.

You can set up your app to see all the latest news and events from your area, plus receive push notifications for breaking news.

Available to download from the App Store or Google Play for Android .