Spiders become more active as mating season begins, and they’re most likely to be seen in your home – but an expert has shared the scents that will keep them away
As summer draws to a close and September arrives, countless British homes face an unwelcome seasonal visitor – spiders.
Spider season is the period when you’re most likely to catch sight of these pests darting across your living room floor, hiding i your bathtub, or spinning webs in the forgotten corners of your house, with male spiders becoming particularly active as they roam about seeking mates.
The spider mating period, which traditionally began in September, has been creeping forward year after year due to shifting weather patterns across the UK, meaning numerous households are now encountering spiders indoors much sooner.
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James Higgins, a flooring specialist at Online Carpets, has revealed methods to banish spiders from your property, including the most effective fragrances to drive them away from hotspot zones.
Deter spiders with scents
James explained: “There are a few scents that spiders dislike – cinnamon, mint, lavender and lemon to name a few. The perfect autumnal scent, spiders dislike the warm spice of cinnamon. Cinnamon comes in different forms, so you can either place cinnamon sticks around your home, or alternatively, opt for a scented candle to deter any spiders and give your house a cosy feeling.”
For those who favour using greenery as repellents, James suggests getting some lavender or mint. “Grab some lavender or mint plants and pot these so they sit around your windowsill – not only will they spruce up the outdoors of your home, but they can stop spiders from making their way inside in the first place,” he said.
“Another great way to get rid of spiders is to look for citrus scents. A cheap and easy solution is lemon peels over your windowsills, skirting boards or any shelves to deter spiders. Not only does the strong citrus smell keep any spiders away, but it will also leave your kitchen or bathroom smelling fresh.”
However, if you’re after a “quick fix”, James suggests creating your own DIY deterrent “by mixing around 20 drops of an essential oil with water in a spray bottle.”
He continued: “You can choose from lemon, peppermint or lavender essential oils to give your home a lovely smell, and fend off any spiders at the same time. Spray your mixture in any corners or crevices where spiders are likely to be hiding.
“You can also create your own cleaning solution by mixing a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water, and then add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. You can use this trick when it comes to cleaning any laminate or vinyl flooring that you may have in your kitchen or bathroom – perfect for the spider hotspots.”
Keep your home clean
James also emphasises the importance of maintaining a spotless home to discourage spiders from settling in. He explained: “The first step when looking at how to get rid of spiders in the house is to seal their entryways. Block any gaps in walls and pipes, and seal any cracks you have around your windows and doors to stop them from making their way in.
“You should then clean off any windowsills – especially any that already have cobwebs – as the dirt and build up could be attracting insects, and then, spiders.
“You can use a simple mix of white vinegar and warm water to spray over your windows and windowsills to leave them sparkling ahead of spider mating season.”
The expert recommends homeowners carry out a routine of cleaning, organising and clearing out clutter to eliminate potential spider hideouts, reports the Express.
He shared: “Spiders love hiding – so it’s key to keep tidying and decluttering to remove their hiding places. Make sure you dust and vacuum regularly if you spot any spiderwebs.
“It’s also important to keep your bin closed, away from windows, and regularly cleaned. Flies love our bins, and if you’re attracting flies, you’ll probably attract some spiders too.”
