As the weather cools down and the days get shorter in September, spiders become more active and often crawl inside through open windows, doors and small gaps in your home’s exterior.
As temperatures drop and daylight hours shrink throughout September, spiders become increasingly active and frequently venture indoors via open windows, doorways and tiny cracks in your property’s exterior.
The surge in encounters during this month stems mainly from male spiders abandoning their webs whilst hunting for female partners. Properties provide warmth, protection, and countless hiding spots where spiders can take refuge. Furthermore, houses can offer a reliable source of sustenance through other insects, making them an appealing destination for arachnids, reports the Express.
To ward off these unwanted visitors from your property, cleaning expert Lynsey Crombie has revealed her favourite homemade spider deterrent spray on Facebook, which requires just one natural component: peppermint oil
She highlighted that spiders “absolutely hate peppermint”, and it “will cause most to run away”. Simply grab a spray bottle, fill it with water, then add 20 drops of peppermint oil and shake thoroughly before application.
Lynsey advised: “Make up this easy spider repellent spray around the outside perimeter of your home, also around doors and windows. This will create a barrier that will put them off without harming them in any way. Spray every few days.”
When questioned in the comments about whether alternative oils could substitute peppermint, Lynsey responded: “Unfortunately, no. They really hate the strong smell of peppermint. You can try normal mint, but it is not as effective.”
Green Pest Solutions experts have backed the use of peppermint oil to deter spiders, stating: “Spiders do not like peppermint, and because they ‘taste’ with their legs, it is an easy way to keep them away.”
The professionals further noted: “It will take a while for the house spiders you currently have to go away for good, but other spiders won’t make their way in with such a strong mixture in their way.”