As spider mating season approaches, UK homeowners are looking for methods to deter the unwanted visitors
In bad news for anyone who hates spiders, people can expect to see more creepy crawlies over the coming weeks. As temperatures drop, the end of summer sees spiders head indoors in search of warmer conditions, and their mating season is just around the corner.
Thankfully, a home and garden specialist has shared a simple trick anyone can use to help repel spiders from their home. You only need washing-up liquid and a few kitchen ingredients you can buy once and reuse.
Talking to Better Homes and Gardens, the CEO of pest control brand EarthKind shared a tip that prevents spiders from hiding behind wardrobes, bookshelves and similar furniture units. “Use a spray made of 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, two tablespoons of liquid dish soap, and 20 drops of thyme oil. The scented mixture has been used to prevent them from attaching their silk to sprayed surfaces,” she advised.
Cleaning the corners in your home could be key to solving your spider problem. Emma Grace Crumbley, an entomologist at Mosquito Squad, explained: “Continually cleaning and decluttering will discourage spiders from establishing webs.” It’s also recommended to seal cracks and crevices to prevent spiders from entering your home through them.
If you do see a spider, Better Homes and Gardens recommends using a washing-up liquid spray again. “Insects strongly dislike citrus scents like lemon, lime, or orange. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and use it whenever you see a spider. You can also spray high-traffic areas of your home to deter spiders from returning,” the advice says.
Scents like peppermint oil could also help deter spiders. Sharing tips for dealing with spider season in a blog, Pest UK said: “Strong smells are a natural way to deter spiders from entering your home.
“Smells such as lemon, lime, oranges, anything with a strong citrus aroma, help repel spiders. Also, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, or peppermint oil.
“Vinegar is another strong scent to help repel spiders, but most people aren’t too keen on vinegar lingering around their homes. Rub or spray around window sills and doors with these scents to help prevent spiders from entering.”
Another tip is to keep windows shut at night, as many spiders are nocturnal, and turning off lights when they are not in use. Pest UK explains: “Just like moths, spiders are drawn to light, so turn outside lights off when you’re not using them and keep doors and windows closed or blinds shut when the lights are on inside.”
The experts add that you can help to prevent unwanted visitors by limiting access to food, which involves removing any dead flies from doorways and window sills, and regularly vacuuming your home, paying close attention to dark corners where spiders like to hide.