As spiders try to find a new warm and humid home for the winter, many may start wandering into bathrooms across the nation
As temperatures drop and spider season reaches its peak, arachnids will be hunting for cosy and damp spots to settle in during the colder months. This makes all the hidden corners and crevices found in household loos the ideal location for them to hunker down.
While the majority of spiders creeping into British homes pose no threat, it can still be quite alarming to discover one lurking in your shower or bath. Bathroom experts at Vidalux.co.uk have shared some straightforward and budget-friendly methods to make your loo uninviting to these eight-legged visitors and banish them permanently.
They suggested employing a combination of tactics to put spiders off from settling in your property. Specialist Andy Ellis explained: “Spiders are naturally drawn to warm, damp spaces, so bathrooms can become a hotspot in autumn.
“Regularly wiping down surfaces, reducing clutter, and sealing gaps around windows, doors, and pipes can make a big difference in preventing them from taking up residence.”
One straightforward method to repel spiders is establishing a “vinegar barrier”. Spiders detest the acidic nature and pungent odour of vinegar, so cleaning bathroom surfaces with a blend of water and vinegar will put them off.
There are several aromas that spiders find repulsive and homeowners can exploit this by incorporating these fragrances into their bathrooms.
This encompasses peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils, which can be misted throughout the bathroom, simultaneously leaving the space smelling delightful for humans. For a more understated aroma, experts suggest using mint or lavender sachets and hanging them on cabinets or corners in the bathroom.
These small fabric bags can even be made at home with some dried herbs. In a bid to reduce household waste, experts also recommend placing fresh lemon, lime, and orange peels near sinks, drains, and corners in your home as citrus can act as a natural spider deterrent.
If the smell barriers aren’t doing the trick, you could try creating a physical barrier with some double-sided tape. Placing some strips in corners, behind the toilet, and other areas where you’ve spotted spiders before can trap them and deter them from building their webs in these spaces.
Maintaining a cool and dry bathroom will make it less appealing for spiders. A dehumidifier or bathroom fan can assist with this.
There are also a variety of products available that are designed to repel spiders in any room of the house. Some ultrasonic pest repellers are relatively small and emit a high-frequency sound that deters the creatures, making it a great potential option for people who want to avoid the smells of essential oils and the more common bug killer sprays.