Spiders are a common household pest, especially in the autumn and winter, but there are several ways to prevent them from taking over your home
If you’re one of the many Brits who are terrified by spiders scurrying around your home, then you’re not alone.
As the temperatures start to drop in autumn, we tend to spend more time indoors, and our homes become increasingly attractive to creepy crawlies.
Particularly for spiders, this time of year sees them invade our homes for their mating season, and before we know it, they seem to be everywhere.
The good news is we don’t have to let them and their pesky webs take over our home, and there are steps we can take to combat this.
Spiders don’t just magically appear in our homes; there are certain signs that attract them, such as cracks in windows, open vents and cluttered areas which provide perfect hiding spots, reports the Express.
Once one spider sets up shop, it’s not long before others follow suit, laying egg sacs, spinning webs across skirting boards or congregating at the back of our wardrobes.
Before you start to panic (or reach for the vacuum cleaner), there are simple habits you can adopt right now to tip the balance in your favour.
Keep surfaces clean, seal any cracks, remove potential attractions, and introduce some deterrents that are completely harmless to humans but are sure to put off any eight-legged intruders. According to insect expert Paul Blackhurst from Rentokil Pest Control, you don’t need to resort to harsh chemicals.
He added: “Spiders are attracted to undisturbed, dark areas such as corners, behind appliances or furniture, and wall cracks. The most effective way to control them indoors is to limit their food source by reducing other insects around your home.”
The expert went on to give five top tips to keep spiders out of your home:.
Vacuum regularly – high and low
Spiders adore discovering cluttered, dim spaces that remain uncleaned, so ensuring sheltered areas stay tidy is the initial step in preventing them from establishing residence. Paul recommends consistently cleaning beneath work surfaces, behind cabinets and underneath settees.
Clear visible webs
A web serves as a spider’s dwelling, so by eliminating their webs, you’re making it considerably more difficult for a spider to flourish and don’t overlook those difficult-to-access areas where spiders prefer to establish themselves.
Seal cracks
Spiders can effortlessly crawl through openings into your property to shield themselves from the weather. By sealing cracks around walls, pipes and beneath your door, you’re providing them with one fewer entry point.
Eliminate hiding places
Spiders will seek to conceal themselves in your log piles, garden sacks and any compost heaps you maintain, so attempt to position these away from the main building.
Discourage all insects By eliminating their food source, you can make your home less appealing to spiders. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep insects at bay by addressing any damp areas, securely storing food, and maintaining clean surfaces.
The fewer insects present, the fewer spiders you’ll encounter.