Related Articles
As August draws to a close and September begins, homeowners may start spotting more spiders creeping into their properties. This marks the beginning of spider mating season, which reaches its peak in mid-October – a terrifying prospect for those suffering from arachnophobia.
As temperatures drop, these eight-legged creatures seek out warm, dry indoor spaces for breeding purposes. Households across the UK have been urged to keep windows shut from 7pm onwards during the next four weeks, as this is prime time for these unwelcome visitors to enter homes.
Alan Reid, a window specialist at Art Windows and Doors, cautioned: “Male house spiders and false widows are on the move, and homes with open windows are at risk of infestation. Now is the time to seal gaps and shut windows before spider season peaks.
Nevertheless, there’s another method you can employ to ward off these uninvited arachnid intruders, requiring just a simple household product.
A Plymouth mum named Danielle has revealed her clever technique for preventing spiders from entering the house during spider season.
In a recent TikTok clip, she showed how she applies a kitchen spray to window cracks and sills.
She wrote alongside the video: “When spider season is upon us and you’ve already had a huge unwanted eight-legged visitor in the house. Astonish saving the day!”. The product she utilised was the Astonish Kitchen Cleaner Spray, available at local supermarkets or via Ocado for £1.30.
The product boasts a “zesty lemon scent” and is touted to tackle “grease and kitchen grime with ease”.
She detailed her method in the comments section, stating: “When I use it I don’t see any spiders! I use it every couple of days on all of my windows and doors.”
Pest UK confirms that spiders are repelled by strong scents such as lemons, limes, oranges, eucalyptus oil, and tea tree oil. Vinegar also acts as a potent spider deterrent, although some homeowners may not appreciate the lingering vinegar smell.
Alternatively, you can concoct your own “spider deterrent” by squeezing half a lemon into water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and apply it to potential spider entry points around your home.
Viewers began sharing their own tips in the comments section of Danielle’s video. One person revealed: “I put lavender and peppermint oil on a cotton pad and stuffed it in the corner of my window I’ve had no spiders since,”.
Another added: “For years I have put conkers in the corners of my rooms-no spiders. If you can’t get conkers, they are everywhere in UK atm, use Badedas bath gel on cotton wool. It has horse chestnut extract which is essentially a conker.”
A third person chimed in: “I burn lavender candles all day and night and have no spiders anywhere in my room.”
To keep spiders at bay, it’s recommended to declutter and store food properly to avoid attracting the insects that spiders prey on. Regular vacuuming, especially in corners, behind furniture and under beds, is also advised.
Make sure to eliminate any spider webs you discover inside or near entrances.
