There are so many spiders around in September and October because it’s the peak of their mating season, during which time they come out of hiding to search for mates
As every sufferer of arachnophobia understands, spider season is no joke — all of a sudden they are everywhere you look, so keeping them at bay becomes increasingly important.
While nature’s palette shifts from the fresh greens of summer to the autumn’s vibrant shades of red, orange and gold, most of us humans head indoors to stay warm as the weather begins to turn. But we’re not the only ones — spiders are also on the lookout for shelter.
Unfortunately, one of the places they tend to creep is the inside of your car. This could be more than enough to cause an accident for those of us who jump at even the thought of the eight-legged little monsters.
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Google has seen searches for “stop spider in car” soar by a staggering 5,000 per cent in just the past week. But fear not, the experts have stepped in with a handy hack that keeps your car spider-free and costs as little as 30p — the price of a lemon.
Many people don’t realise just how serious the consequences of a startled reaction behind the wheel can be. A sudden movement, distraction or loss of control — even a seemingly innocent one caused by fear of arachnids — can be considered dangerous driving. This might lead to penalties of up to £2,500 and as many as nine points added to your driving license.
Aimee Anderson of ALA Insurance explained: “Arachnophobia or a fear of spiders is the second biggest fear in the UK. So it’s not surprising how distracting a spider could be when you’re driving.
“If you are scared, you should take some easy precautions to keep the creepy crawlies out of your vehicle. Thankfully, there are quite a few things spiders don’t like, including citrus fruits like lemon.
“Start out by giving your car a good clean and taking out anything a spider could hide under. Then, cut a lemon in half and rub it around your window frames and doors. For added protection, cut up the skin and leave the rinds in the footwell by your door.
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“Another tip is to properly clean out your doors. Spiders can squeeze through small gaps and will often go for the doors, so regular cleaning can stop them from crawling from your door jamb into your car.
“Other scents like vinegar, tea tree oil and peppermint are on the list of things spiders don’t like, so they can help if you’re desperate. They also have an aversion to conkers. You could try adding one in each footwell to help.”
Though some of these hacks might sound unusual, they are inexpensive and straightforward ways of ensuring you stay focused on the road. Just 30p spent on a lemon can make a big difference — not only in avoiding the hairy little hitchhikers, but also maintaining road safety while preventing serious financial and legal consequences.
Aimee concluded by reminding road users: “Whilst driving, you need to be able to pay attention all the time. It may seem silly that a spider can lead to such hefty fines, but we need to take every precaution to ensure we’re able to drive safely.”
Spiders gravitate towards dark, sheltered spaces, including any discarded packets, bags, wrappers or cartons you might leave lying around in your car. So as the autumn sets in and spiders seek shelter, this small preventive measure could ensure you remain safe, spider-free and calm in your car.
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