As autumn brings cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, spiders are more likely to seek shelter indoors. However, an affordable £1 cupboard staple could help keep them at bay, according to pest management expert Jordan Foster.
Why Cinnamon Works Against Spiders
Ground cinnamon, a common kitchen spice, is highly effective when sprinkled into gaps, nooks, and areas where spider webs frequently appear. Foster explained: "Ground cinnamon is a natural repellent to carpenter ants and other bugs that may roam the kitchen."
While spiders do not have a sense of smell like humans, they detect chemical compounds through minuscule sensory bristles on their legs and bodies. Strong fragrances can be disagreeable or disturbing to them, prompting them to avoid treated areas. Cinnamon's essential oils, including cinnamaldehyde and related compounds, are potent irritants and repellents for certain insects and small pests in laboratory conditions.
How to Use Cinnamon and Other Deterrents
For best results, scatter cinnamon along entry points such as windowsills, skirting boards, and door thresholds. Essential oils or scented candles can also work if you prefer not to sprinkle powder around your home. Foster added: "You can use cinnamon on any indoor or outdoor space as protection against pest infestations."
Other methods to banish spiders include mixing 10 to 15 drops of peppermint, tea tree, or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle and spritzing around window frames and doors, though pet owners should be cautious as these oils can pose a risk to cats or dogs. Rubbing lemon or orange peels along skirting boards and windowsills, or using a citrus-infused water spray, can also deter spiders, as they dislike citrus. A 50:50 mix of white vinegar and water sprayed in corners acts as a strong deterrent, but should not be used on varnished wood surfaces.
Sealing gaps in walls, around pipework, and under doors with silicone sealant or brush door sweeps can prevent entry. Regular vacuuming and wiping counters daily reduces flies, midges, and other small insects that attract spiders. Clearing clutter and vacuuming dark corners, behind large furniture, and inside wardrobes frequently, while removing visible webs and egg sacs, further discourages them.
