The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has suggested a simple method for dealing with spiders.

The national trade body has advised Reading residents who are afraid of spiders to call a pest professional for assistance.

Nevertheless, the organisation stated that the arachnids are best left alone.

If they must be moved, the BPCA recommended relocating them to a sheltered spot.

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The BPCA also said that spiders may find their way indoors as the temperatures drop.

Despite this, they will vanish after a couple of months if left undisturbed.

BPCA technical manager Natalie Bungay said: "Native spiders are not considered dangerous or a threat to health, but pest professionals are on hand to help anyone who suffers from arachnophobia if spiders are becoming a nuisance."

The organisation stated that if one has a severe phobia or is allergic to spider bites from species such as the False Widow Spider, BPCA members are ready to assist.

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Ms Bungay said: "Calls for False Widow Spiders tend to peak in October as numbers increase during the winter months and then they become more conspicuous as the males wander in search of a mate.

"False Widow Spiders are venomous but not aggressive – bites generally seem to occur through accidental contact.

"They can be very painful but are no more dangerous than a wasp sting."

The BPCA said that for most spiders, the best way to deal with them is to trap them under a glass, slide a stiff piece of paper underneath, and release them in a garage or shed.

Ms Bungay added: "Spiders have an important role to play in our natural ecosystems, so releasing them in a sheltered place where they won’t succumb to the cold is generally the best alternative if you can’t quite cope with them inside the house."

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However, if spiders are becoming a nuisance, or if one has a phobia or is likely to have a severe reaction to a spider bite, the BPCA recommended seeking advice from a pest professional.

Ms Bungay said: "A BPCA member will have the knowledge required to ensure the infestation is contained as much as possible and have access to a range of specialist products that are not available to the public."

BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed according to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and are endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.

People can find a professional pest controller online by visiting the BPCA's website.