This time of year marks the peak of spider season, with the eight-legged creatures growing larger and seemingly more noticeable. If you’re not a fan of sharing your living space with these unwelcome guests, fear not! Home expert, Peter Murray from Murray Steel Buildings gives expert advice on how to deter spiders from your home effectively and humanely, including some budget-friendly natural repellents and little-known tips.
Why Are Spiders More Noticeable Now?
During the autumn months, spiders are not only more prominent due to their mating season, but they also seek warmer and sheltered environments to escape the drop in temperature outside. This makes homes, sheds, and garages attractive hideaways for them. While most of the spiders in the UK are harmless and beneficial in controlling other insect populations, their presence can still be unsettling for many.
Effective Tips to Deter Spiders from Your Home
Seal Entry Points: One of the most effective ways to keep spiders out is by sealing cracks and gaps around doors, windows, and walls. Spiders can squeeze through even the tiniest openings, so make sure to inspect your home thoroughly. Use sealant or caulking to close off these potential entry points.
Maintain a Clean Home: Spiders are attracted to cluttered spaces where they can build webs undisturbed. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and decluttering can help keep spiders at bay. Pay special attention to corners, under furniture, and behind items that are rarely moved.
Remove Webs Promptly: If you notice a spider web, remove it immediately. This will not only discourage the spider from returning but also deter others from making webs in the same area.
Use Vinegar and Water: A simple and cost-effective natural repellent that many people don’t know about is white vinegar. Spiders dislike the strong smell of vinegar. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to potential entry points like window sills, door frames, and crevices. The solution is inexpensive (under £1) and highly effective.
Citrus Peels: Spiders are not fond of citrus scents. After enjoying a snack of oranges, lemons, or limes, save the peels and rub them along baseboards, window sills, and other areas where spiders may enter. This natural repellent costs virtually nothing and can effectively discourage spiders from making themselves at home.
Keep Outdoor Lights Off: Lights attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. By turning off outdoor lights when not needed or using yellow sodium vapor lights, which are less attractive to insects, you can reduce the spider population around your home.
Keep Your Garden Tidy: Overgrown gardens and unkempt areas around the house provide perfect habitats for spiders. Regularly trimming bushes, mowing the lawn, and clearing out leaves and debris can make your garden less attractive to spiders.
Use Cinnamon Sticks: Another inexpensive natural repellent is cinnamon. Place cinnamon sticks in strategic locations around your home. The strong scent is known to keep spiders away. You can buy cinnamon sticks for under £1, making this an affordable and aromatic way to protect your home.
What to Do If You Find a Spider in Your Home
If, despite your best efforts, a spider still manages to find its way into your home, there are humane ways to handle the situation. Using a glass and a piece of paper to capture and release the spider outside is a common method. Alternatively, there are spider catchers available on the market that allow you to handle the spider without direct contact.
Peter Murray, Home Expert from Murray Steel Buildings says:
While spiders play a beneficial role in controlling insect populations, it’s understandable that many homeowners prefer to keep their living spaces spider-free. By following these simple yet effective tips, including budget-friendly natural repellents, you can deter spiders from entering your home and enjoy a more comfortable, spider-free environment this autumn.