'Unwanted invaders' - Spate of spider infestations in Irish homes prompts warning

Irish households are being warned to keep an eye for signs of unwanted invaders like spiders and rats after a spate of callouts.

As the weather cools and nights draw in, pests such as rodents, insects and spiders begin seeking warmth and shelter indoors, just as households decorate and prepare for Halloween festivities," they warned.

Rentokil says it has recorded seasonal increases in callouts for pests including rodents, spiders and cluster flies at this time of year.

These increases highlight the importance of pest awareness as families open storage boxes, hang decorations, and stock up on treats.

Common pests to watch out for this Halloween include:

Rats and Mice: Attracted by food and shelter, rodents may sneak indoors to access sweet treats or warmth, sometimes causing damage to wiring, pipework and insulation.

Spiders: More active indoors during autumn, they enter homes searching for mates and can be found in dark corners, sheds, and garages.

Cluster Flies: These pests gather in attics and upper rooms in large numbers as the adult flies look for places to hibernate.

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Textile Moths, Textile Beetles and Silverfish: These insects can damage clothing, costumes, and decorations stored in boxes or wardrobes.

Grey Squirrels: Often found nesting in attics, they can cause noise and structural damage if left unchecked.

Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager with Rentokil, commented: “As temperatures drop, pests such as rodents and insects look for warm, dry spaces to shelter and attics, garages and storage boxes filled with decorations provide the perfect opportunity." He offered a number of top tips to prevent an infestation.

Rentokil’s top pest-proofing tips for Halloween:

Inspect storage boxes before bringing them indoors: Check for droppings, webs, or nesting material when retrieving decorations.

Store treats securely: Keep sweets and snacks sealed in airtight containers to avoid attracting rodents or ants.

Seal entry points: Check around doors, windows, and pipes for gaps where pests might sneak in.

Keep outdoor areas tidy: Clear away fallen leaves, rubbish, and clutter that can provide hiding spots for pests.

Regularly declutter attics and garages: Reduce potential nesting areas by keeping these spaces clean and organised.

Consider professional pest-proofing solutions: Rentokil offers long-term protection such as Flexi Armour barriers to prevent rodents from gaining access.

"Rentokil’s advice aims to help households avoid frightening infestations this Halloween. By taking proactive steps now, homeowners can enjoy a safe, pest-free celebration without any unexpected scares," a statement concluded.