THEY’RE an unwanted pest, and often leave people terrified too.
And with the impending arrival of cooler temperatures, homes across the UK become prime targets for spiders.
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However, there are some easy fixes you can make to deter the creepy crawlies – beginning with a common error many people make in their gardens.
“While spiders themselves are not attracted to light sources, many of the insects they feed on are, which in turn draws them towards outdoor lighting,” pest expert John Stewart, from the technical team at Pelsis UK, explained.
“Reducing outdoor lighting, especially overnight, can help decrease the number of insects – and consequently spiders – around your home.”
In fact, September is the start of spider breeding season, with the arachnids looking for a spot in your home to lay their eggs and wait out the cooler months.
So sealing off entry points into your property is another important step.
“Ensuring window frames are properly sealed and excluder strips are fitted to the base of doors may help prevent entry,” John said.
“While it is unlikely you’ll be able to seal off every single point of entry for a spider, ensuring the major ones, such as gaps under doors, are blocked will go a long way to keeping the critters out of your living space.”
It’s also vital to keep your home as clean as possible, as a regular cleaning regime can deter spiders from nesting – especially if you’re hoovering up their webs.
“Vacuuming regularly is particularly important here as it will not only eliminate spiders, but also the eggs they have laid which will drastically help in reducing their numbers,” John continued.
“Pay special attention to corners and under furniture as this is where spiders are likely to hide!”
And when you’re cleaning, go for a lemon-scented cleaner if possible.
“Cleaning your furniture, skirting boards and windowsills with lemon-scented cleaning products is an easy, natural method of keeping them at bay,” he concluded.
You can also rub lemon peel over windowsills, as it makes a cheap as chips deterrent.
‘’This is one of the easiest and most effective tricks, costing around 14p compared to a £10 ready-made spider repellent,” Paul Strong, Store Operations Manager at Magnet Trade, explained.
Everything you need to know about spiders
“Rub lemon peels all over the windowsills or anywhere spiders tend to perch, such as on skirting boards and bookshelves.
“The strong citrus scent will repel them away and give your home a lovely fresh scent.”
Additions such as strong-smelling plants, such as mint, lemongrass and eucalyptus, also work well to keep the creepy crawlies out.
