Brat Summer is over, and despite the kind attempts of several colleagues here at LADbible Towers to explain it to me I'm still not clear on whatever the f**k that was supposed to be.
Anyhow, summer is done and dusted which means it's time to switch your duvet out for one with more considerable toggage and prepare to defend your home from eight-legged interlopers looking to crawl into the nooks and crannies of your dwelling.
You might have heard about the 'sex crazed spiders' and they're back again to flex the fact that they've got many more legs than you and are probably having more sex in your house than you are.
The amorous arachnids have been enjoying the summer sun outside, but the shift in weather which occurs once we exit the month named for the first Emperor of Rome means they're scurrying towards shelter, and nobody builds a shelter quite like humans.
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"Curses, I keep falling for the same trick!" (Basak Gurbuz Derman/Getty Images)In general you're going to start seeing more spiders trying to get into your house as they look for a fine place to raise the children.
A lot of you won't want this to happen, what with the arachnophobia and all or just not wanting your home to be occupied by anyone other than you.
In that case you'll have to learn how to catch spiders and drive them in droves from your abode, and definitely not how to do it wrong.
You think a vacuum cleaner will save you? They'll just crawl out again (Basak Gurbuz Derman/Getty Images)You might falsely think that technology is your greatest ally in the battle against spider season, but it is not so, attempts to vanquish the spiders with a vacuum cleaner will not kill the creepy crawlies.
Guess what, the spiders can just crawl out of the vacuum cleaner again once you're done using it and you will have accomplished nothing.
If you're fighting for your life against hordes of spiders then you should either make friends out of your eight-legged foes to protect against the flies and other buzzing bugs, or you need to think smarter.
To banish the spiders from your home you'll need a weapon, and that should be a spray bottle filled with water and peppermint oil.
Spray the entryways to your home such as doors and windows with this minty mixture and apparently it'll convince the spiders to try another hoes.
Spiders apparently don't like the smell of peppermint, so a spray a day keeps the arachnids away.
Happy hunting!Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image/TikTok/ladamsxx
Published 15:16 8 Sep 2024 GMT+1
A UK house is up for sale with a guide price of £10 but there is a major catch
The vacant property is located on the Isle of Wight
A house in the UK is up for sale with a guide price of £10 - but there is a major catch.
For most of us, it really is tough out there in the property market as the cost-of-living remains stupidly high and wages are obviously not increasing at the same rate.
From just last year, the average house price in the UK has gone up by 2.7 percent to a whopping £287,924, according to the latest figures from the UK House Price Index (HPI).
The home has a guide price of £10 (Rightmove)But even if we were in the 1950s - where the average house price was around £1,800 - a home for tenner would still be an absolutely ridiculous bargain.
This comes after a two-bedroom, one-bathroom, semi-detached house at the edge of a cliff went up for auction.
The vacant home near Leeson Road, Ventnor, on the Isle of Wight, is up for auction with a guide price of just £10.
However, the catch is that the property is next to an area which suffered a recent landslip after 16 hectares (40 acres) of land collapsed back in December.
Internal viewings are not available (Google Maps)Residents from around 20 properties were initially forced to leave their homes, while some of them were unable to return.
The listing on Rightmove reads: "A vacant 2 bedroom semi-detached house for cash buyers only, requiring refurbishment.
"The property is adjacent an area of recent landslip, however, only minor structural damage is apparent to the building and site itself.
"It remains the intention of Island Roads and the Isle of Wight Council to re-open Leeson Road as soon as it safe to do so.
"Internal viewings will not be possible. The auctioneers have not inspected the property."
It comes after a landslide back in December (Isle of Wight Council)The auction details also note: "To be sold by online auction (unconditional) on Friday 27th September 2024 with a 6 WEEK COMPLETION, bidding will open at 10.00."
According to the property sale history, the home was last sold for £60,000 back in 1999. Ah, the good ol' days.
So, if the risk is something you're willing to take on, at least you'll be able to stream Netflix without a problem with a whopping 77mb download speed.
It's also worth to note down the nearest station which is just two miles away, with the closest college being 1.3 miles away.
A primary school is also 1.7 miles from the property.
To view the listing, click on Rightmove now.Featured Image Credit: First for Auctions / Getty Stock
Published 15:48 2 Sep 2024 GMT+1
Brits issued warning as almost 10,000 possible Asian Hornet sightings reported this year
The wasp species could have a deadly impact on British wildlife
Brits across the country have been warned to keep an eye out for deadly Asian Hornet wasps.
The insect, which is categorised as invasive species by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (UKCEH), has been making headlines over the past couple of years due to the threat they pose against honeybees.
What are Asian Hornet wasps?
As the name suggests, Asian Hornets are native to tropical regions of Southeast Asia. However they have since migrated over to various European countries, leading to concerns about their impact on local ecosystems.
They are identifiable by their smaller size compared to other wasps, dark body, wide orange stripe across their fourth abdomen section and yellow leg ends.
Asian Hornets are considered a predatory towards honeybees, with a single hornet capable of killing 50 bees alone. Whereas a swarm of wasps could easily destroy hive of 30,000 bees.
This is particularly concerning given the fact that around 35 different bee species are under threat of extinction in the UK.
Asian Hornets are identifiable by the yellow ends to their legs (Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Are Asian Hornets dangerous to humans?
Well, yes and no.
Advice from the Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) states that Asian Hornets pose 'no greater risk to human health than other wasps or hornets'.
The biggest risks the wasps pose to humans is when they feel 'threatened' as reports state Asian Hornets have been known to 'charge' in a group if they feel their nest has been threatened.
Therefore it's important to note that if you find an Asian Hornet wasp hive in your home you shouldn't make any attempt to destroy or move the nest.
"Asian hornets are not generally aggressive towards people but an exception to this is when they perceive a threat to their nest," DEFRA added in their advice.
Should you find yourself being stung by an Asian Hornet, it's normal to expect pain and swelling in the affected area, with Jay Riggs, from Zeal CBD describing their sting as 'similar to being stabbed by a red-hot needle. Where the needle punctures the skin, it can swell severely and ache for a few days'.
Should you end up being stung, the advice is to thoroughly wash the area with soap and cool water before later applying ice to limit the spread of venom.
The wasps' nests can often grow to large sizes (Flach JJ/Andia/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
What to do if you spot an Asian Hornet
There has been around 10,000 potential Asian Hornet sightings reported across the country so far this year through the 'Asian Hornet Watch' smartphone app.
Though the UKCEH has emphasised that 'only 25 of these reports have been confirmed as yellow-legged hornets, with the others being native insects'.
Should you be able to get close enough to an Asian Hornet in order to identify one - not that you'd want to - DEFRA advises that you should download the app to report the sightings, or to fill in this online report form.
If not, you can email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with a photograph if it is safe to do so, as they explain that identification guides and further information is available on the gov.uk sightings page and on BeeBase.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Published 10:28 5 Sep 2024 GMT+1
UK warning issued as football clubs introduce Ticketmaster-style ‘dynamic ticket pricing’
Dynamic pricing is set to be debated by politicians following its involvement in Ticketmaster's sale of tickets to Oasis reunion concerts
A warning has been issued after two football clubs confirmed they are introducing dynamic pricing similar to that used by Ticketmaster in the sale of tickets for the recently announced Oasis reunion tour.
Oasis tickets went on general sale last Saturday (31 August) with fans left waiting in a virtual queue for hours on end before finally getting through.
It was, though, a moment that was soured for some after tickets were listed as 'in demand' with costs well in advance of the £150 or so that was advertised for a standing ticket.
Instead of the £150, which fans had days to prepare for and work out if they could afford them, tickets were listed as £355 each.
Oasis tickets were subjected to dynamic pricing when they went on sale via Ticketmaster (Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)
Those interested in buying tickets then only had minutes to decide if they would pay the 'in demand' price, with many buckling while others simply couldn't afford the extra £205.
The dynamic pricing system was used on Ticketmaster but not Gigs and Tours and See Tickets, where fans could also purchases tickets for the concerts in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin.
Now, two football clubs in Europe have confirmed they are adopting the controversial pricing structure for their tickets.
And with that, a huge warning has been issued should any club think about doing the same in England.
Valencia and Celta Vigo, both playing out of Spain's premier football competition LaLiga, are bringing in the fluid pricing structure for this season's matches.
Celta Vigo fans will have to abide by dynamic pricing rules this season (Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
In a statement, Valencia said: "One of the new features for the 2024/25 season is the implementation of dynamic prices when purchasing tickets. Following the global trend established for shows, sporting events and entertainment, Valencia CF will use this practice that has the support and technology of LaLiga.
"Tickets will go on sale with a base price, which could increase as the days go by, subject to different parameters such as the occupation of the stadium area and the proximity of the date, among other factors. Buying your tickets early ensures you the best section and the best price."
In the UK, the Football Supporters Association (FSA) issued a warning against 'greedy owners in football' who might try to 'exploit supporter loyalty' in the English football pyramid.
Valencia said it was bringing in dynamic pricing (DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
In a statement, the FSA said: "With impeccable timing after the Oasis fiasco, voices in football have started to float the idea of infecting football with dynamic pricing.
"Never underestimate the potential for the most greedy owners in football to try and import terrible ideas from other industries to exploit supporter loyalty.
"Match-goers are already mobilising against the recent wave of price rises and attacks on concessions. Any underhand increases will be met with enormous opposition."
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labelled the dynamic pricing of Oasis tickets as 'depressing' and said it will be looked in to as part of a review in to reselling tickets in the UK.
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The scramble for Oasis tickets over the weekend was chaotic (Simon Emmett/Fear PR/PA Wire)
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "After the incredible news of Oasis’s return, it’s depressing to see vastly inflated prices excluding ordinary fans from having a chance of enjoying their favourite band live.
"This government is committed to putting fans back at the heart of music. So we will include issues around the transparency and use of dynamic pricing, including the technology around queueing systems which incentivise it, in our forthcoming consultation on consumer protections for ticket resales.
“Working with artists, industry and fans we can create a fairer system that ends the scourge of touts, rip-off resales and ensures tickets at fair prices."Featured Image Credit: Jose Manuel Alvarez / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images / Vuk Valcic / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images
Updated 16:05 4 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 13:29 4 Sep 2024 GMT+1
Met Office recommends UK households to have six specific items before weather warning comes into place tonight
The Met Office has issued a weather warning to Brits ahead of an expected change tonight
Unfortunately, summer has come to a close and we're hurtling towards the sadder part of the year where the sun starts to set earlier (if we see it at all) and the coats are dug out the back of our wardrobes.
Along with this is the drop in temperature and generally more downbeat weather that will sweep the UK for the next few months.
This summer has had its moments with a few heatwaves and opportunities to get out to beer gardens, but it is the coolest summer we've had on record since 2015.
This might be the last time you see the sun until next year (Getty Stock Photo)
Now, just a few days into September, the Met Office has come out with some advice for Brits ahead of a rough start to Autumn.
The Met Office has released a yellow rain warning for parts of the UK for the next two days.
The Met Office's official weather warning states: "Heavy showers, perhaps thundery, are possible in places on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
"There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds."
Time to break the brollies out, again (Getty Stock Photo)
Potential flooding could hit parts of southern England and Wales later this week, with up to 50mm of rain expected to fall in two hours in certain areas.
Due to this expected heavy rain, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning to areas in the south from 9.00pm on Wednesday to 9.00am on Thursday, while the north of the country will have contrasting weather conditions, as a heatwave will hit these areas in a huge divide for the nation.
Despite saying that it's a 'small chance', general flooding guidance on the Met Office's website recommends people 'put together an emergency flood kit', which must include six important items.
The Met Office further adds: "Think about putting together an emergency flood kit with essential items that will help you cope in a flood, including: Insurance documents and list of contact numbers; torch and spare batteries; first-aid kit and any prescription medicines; warm waterproof clothes and blankets; bottled water and snacks; battery or wind-up radio and if it applies to you: Supplies for looking after your baby or pet.
"Make sure that everyone knows where to find this kit and what to do if flooding happens."
What to do if you spot an Asian Hornet
There has been around 10,000 potential Asian Hornet sightings reported across the country so far this year through the 'Asian Hornet Watch' smartphone app.
Though the UKCEH has emphasised that 'only 25 of these reports have been confirmed as yellow-legged hornets, with the others being native insects'.
Should you be able to get close enough to an Asian Hornet in order to identify one - not that you'd want to - DEFRA advises that you should download the app to report the sightings, or to fill in this online report form.
If not, you can email alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk with a photograph if it is safe to do so, as they explain that identification guides and further information is available on the gov.uk sightings page and on BeeBase.Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
Published 10:28 5 Sep 2024 GMT+1
UK warning issued as football clubs introduce Ticketmaster-style ‘dynamic ticket pricing’
Dynamic pricing is set to be debated by politicians following its involvement in Ticketmaster's sale of tickets to Oasis reunion concerts
A warning has been issued after two football clubs confirmed they are introducing dynamic pricing similar to that used by Ticketmaster in the sale of tickets for the recently announced Oasis reunion tour.
Oasis tickets went on general sale last Saturday (31 August) with fans left waiting in a virtual queue for hours on end before finally getting through.
It was, though, a moment that was soured for some after tickets were listed as 'in demand' with costs well in advance of the £150 or so that was advertised for a standing ticket.
Instead of the £150, which fans had days to prepare for and work out if they could afford them, tickets were listed as £355 each.
Oasis tickets were subjected to dynamic pricing when they went on sale via Ticketmaster (Huw Fairclough/Getty Images)Those interested in buying tickets then only had minutes to decide if they would pay the 'in demand' price, with many buckling while others simply couldn't afford the extra £205.
The dynamic pricing system was used on Ticketmaster but not Gigs and Tours and See Tickets, where fans could also purchases tickets for the concerts in Cardiff, Manchester, London, Edinburgh, and Dublin.
Now, two football clubs in Europe have confirmed they are adopting the controversial pricing structure for their tickets.
And with that, a huge warning has been issued should any club think about doing the same in England.
Valencia and Celta Vigo, both playing out of Spain's premier football competition LaLiga, are bringing in the fluid pricing structure for this season's matches.
Celta Vigo fans will have to abide by dynamic pricing rules this season (Jose Manuel Alvarez/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)In a statement, Valencia said: "One of the new features for the 2024/25 season is the implementation of dynamic prices when purchasing tickets. Following the global trend established for shows, sporting events and entertainment, Valencia CF will use this practice that has the support and technology of LaLiga.
"Tickets will go on sale with a base price, which could increase as the days go by, subject to different parameters such as the occupation of the stadium area and the proximity of the date, among other factors. Buying your tickets early ensures you the best section and the best price."
In the UK, the Football Supporters Association (FSA) issued a warning against 'greedy owners in football' who might try to 'exploit supporter loyalty' in the English football pyramid.
Valencia said it was bringing in dynamic pricing (DAX Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)In a statement, the FSA said: "With impeccable timing after the Oasis fiasco, voices in football have started to float the idea of infecting football with dynamic pricing.
"Never underestimate the potential for the most greedy owners in football to try and import terrible ideas from other industries to exploit supporter loyalty.
"Match-goers are already mobilising against the recent wave of price rises and attacks on concessions. Any underhand increases will be met with enormous opposition."
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer labelled the dynamic pricing of Oasis tickets as 'depressing' and said it will be looked in to as part of a review in to reselling tickets in the UK.
The scramble for Oasis tickets over the weekend was chaotic (Simon Emmett/Fear PR/PA Wire)Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: "After the incredible news of Oasis’s return, it’s depressing to see vastly inflated prices excluding ordinary fans from having a chance of enjoying their favourite band live.
"This government is committed to putting fans back at the heart of music. So we will include issues around the transparency and use of dynamic pricing, including the technology around queueing systems which incentivise it, in our forthcoming consultation on consumer protections for ticket resales.
“Working with artists, industry and fans we can create a fairer system that ends the scourge of touts, rip-off resales and ensures tickets at fair prices."Featured Image Credit: Jose Manuel Alvarez / Quality Sport Images / Getty Images / Vuk Valcic / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images
Updated 16:05 4 Sep 2024 GMT+1Published 13:29 4 Sep 2024 GMT+1
Met Office recommends UK households to have six specific items before weather warning comes into place tonight
The Met Office has issued a weather warning to Brits ahead of an expected change tonight
Unfortunately, summer has come to a close and we're hurtling towards the sadder part of the year where the sun starts to set earlier (if we see it at all) and the coats are dug out the back of our wardrobes.
Along with this is the drop in temperature and generally more downbeat weather that will sweep the UK for the next few months.
This summer has had its moments with a few heatwaves and opportunities to get out to beer gardens, but it is the coolest summer we've had on record since 2015.
This might be the last time you see the sun until next year (Getty Stock Photo)Now, just a few days into September, the Met Office has come out with some advice for Brits ahead of a rough start to Autumn.
The Met Office has released a yellow rain warning for parts of the UK for the next two days.
The Met Office's official weather warning states: "Heavy showers, perhaps thundery, are possible in places on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.
"There is a small chance that homes and businesses could be flooded quickly, with damage to some buildings from floodwater, lightning strikes, hail or strong winds."
Time to break the brollies out, again (Getty Stock Photo)Potential flooding could hit parts of southern England and Wales later this week, with up to 50mm of rain expected to fall in two hours in certain areas.
Due to this expected heavy rain, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning to areas in the south from 9.00pm on Wednesday to 9.00am on Thursday, while the north of the country will have contrasting weather conditions, as a heatwave will hit these areas in a huge divide for the nation.
Despite saying that it's a 'small chance', general flooding guidance on the Met Office's website recommends people 'put together an emergency flood kit', which must include six important items.
The Met Office further adds: "Think about putting together an emergency flood kit with essential items that will help you cope in a flood, including: Insurance documents and list of contact numbers; torch and spare batteries; first-aid kit and any prescription medicines; warm waterproof clothes and blankets; bottled water and snacks; battery or wind-up radio and if it applies to you: Supplies for looking after your baby or pet.
"Make sure that everyone knows where to find this kit and what to do if flooding happens."
I'd avoid walking near any roads in case you get drenched by any mischievous drivers, from personal experience (Getty Stock Photo)
Currently, the Environment Agency is monitoring the situation but no flood alerts or warnings have been sent out yet, though the heaviest downpours can be expected on Thursday in Hampshire and Dorset.
There was an initial worry around 15 rivers flooding across the UK, but alerts that were issued on Tuesday morning have now been removed, with the likes of River Sow and River Penk in Staffordshire and River Maun in Nottinghamshire included in the list.
The Met Office has advised Brits to check its website regularly in the coming days for any updates.
Currently, the Environment Agency is monitoring the situation but no flood alerts or warnings have been sent out yet, though the heaviest downpours can be expected on Thursday in Hampshire and Dorset.
There was an initial worry around 15 rivers flooding across the UK, but alerts that were issued on Tuesday morning have now been removed, with the likes of River Sow and River Penk in Staffordshire and River Maun in Nottinghamshire included in the list.
The Met Office has advised Brits to check its website regularly in the coming days for any updates.
