UK households are being encouraged to sprinkle orange peels around their windows and in bins from this month onward to deter unwelcome critters from finding their way indoors
UK households are being advised to place orange peel near their windows, doors and in bins to deter spiders.
Spider season typically commences in the UK from early September and lasts until mid-October, although the exact timing can fluctuate depending on the weather. Warmer and drier conditions towards the end of summer can trigger an early start to spider season as they begin to migrate indoors in search of shelter and mates.
Given the particularly warm weather the UK has experienced this summer, households should brace themselves for increased spider activity, with many likely already spotting these unwelcome visitors in their homes. It comes after a heatwave forecast with maps reveals the exact date a 39C heat plume will scorch the UK.
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There are several species of spiders that frequently find their way into UK homes, with house spiders being the most common. Other unwelcome guests may include cellar spiders, lace web spiders and false widows, which are identifiable by their shiny brown bodies and slightly rounded shape.
These arachnids gain entry to our homes through any available cracks or gaps, open windows and doors, or they can hitch a ride on plants or clothing brought in from outside.
A simple solution to keep them out is to keep doors and windows shut, especially when indoor lights are on, and by sealing any gaps or cracks around your home. However, there’s an additional line of defence you can employ to keep them at bay – and all you need is some orange peel.
Spiders detest citrus aromas like orange peel due to the potent acidic fragrance, making it the perfect natural repellent to deploy throughout your property, reports the Express.
Simply position the peel on window ledges, in a kitchen bowl, and even inside bins, and the scent should help ward them off.
Boffins at Enviroliteracy reveal: “Orange peels can help to repel spiders. Spiders are known to dislike strong citrus scents, and the compounds found in orange peels can be an effective, natural deterrent.
“While not a guaranteed solution for complete spider eradication, using orange peels is a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to make your home less attractive to these eight-legged visitors.
“Spiders rely heavily on their senses, particularly the tiny hairs on their legs, to detect vibrations and smells. Strong odours, like those emitted by citrus fruits, can overwhelm their senses, causing them to avoid the area.”
It can also prove wise to utilise citrus-scented cleaning products around your property to deter spiders from gaining entry, or apply a few drops of essential oils containing orange around your windows and doorways.
Alternatively, you could create your own DIY mixture by steeping orange peels in boiling water, alongside a few drops of essential oil, and leaving this overnight before decanting into a spray bottle.
Experts at Lake Norman Pest have advised: “If you have oranges at home and you tend to throw the peels, better stop doing it, especially if you have spiders at home. Orange peels help in repelling spiders, and it will not cost you much.
“The crawling insect is not friends with citrus scents, and it can be the most effective solution for your problem. You only have to cut the peel in chunks and place it inside a container with boiling water. Soak the orange peel overnight and place the extract on a bottle and spray it on places where spiders are usually hiding.
“If you don’t have orange peels, you can also use grapefruit and lemon. Whatever citrus fruits you have, spiders don’t like it, and you can use it to drive them away completely.”