Spiders are a common sight in the autumn months, but there’s a simple and effective way to keep them at bay
If you’re trying to avoid spiders, it’s time to grab some white vinegar — and for a very good reason. It may seem odd, but this natural ingredient has a host of benefits, including keeping unwanted pests at bay.
As you might have noticed, we’re currently in the thick of spider season here. As the weather cools down, spiders start to venture indoors to mate and look for food and shelter. But you can halt them in their tracks by grabbing a spray bottle of white vinegar and heading outside.
Experts say that white vinegar is an excellent natural deterrent for spiders. So if you want to prevent them from sneaking in through cracks or gaps in your doors or walls, spraying white vinegar near your home will do just that.
These eight-legged critters have a highly developed sense of smell, and the scent of vinegar can overwhelm and confuse the chemoreceptors on their legs which they use to navigate their surroundings, reports the Express.
“Vinegar can also be a handy natural deterrent, working in much the same way as essential oils,” says Liam Cleverdon, cleaning expert and Director at Flooring King.
“A simple mix of half white vinegar and half water in a spray bottle is enough; just spritz it around door frames, window ledges, or corners where spiders are likely to enter.
“The only thing to watch out for is varnished or polished surfaces, as vinegar can dull the finish over time.”
This will be sufficient to prevent spiders from attempting to get into your property, and because white vinegar is non-toxic, it’s safe to use indoors as well.
Alongside white vinegar, there’s another natural product that can prove extremely useful when attempting to ward off spiders: peppermint oil.
Simply take some cotton wool balls, saturate them with the essential oil, and position them around any spots where spiders are most likely to gain access to your property, such as window ledges, doorways or gaps in walls or floors.
“Peppermint oil emits a strong scent which repels spiders,” said Robert Collins, pest control expert at MyJobQuote.
“Add 15 to 20 drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle with water and spritz this in any areas where you’ve noticed spiders in the home.”