With warm and wet weather bringing out plenty of insects, spiders may be looking for a meal in your home. While they are beneficial for natural pest control, many people prefer to keep them at bay. Paul Blackhurst of Rentokil Pest Control notes that spiders are attracted to dark, moist areas, making bathrooms and kitchens common hotspots.
To reduce their presence, Blackhurst advises vacuuming regularly, especially hidden spots such as under furniture, beneath worktops, and behind large appliances. Removing spider webs from corners and ceilings also helps. Sealing gaps in walls, pipes, and doors discourages entry, says Blackhurst, while Alex Woods of Victorian Plumbing adds that sealing cracks around windows and doors can prevent initial invasions.
Outdoor lights attract insects that become spider prey, so turning them off can help. Woods suggests a homemade repellent: mix around 20 drops of essential oils such as tea tree, lavender, peppermint, citrus, or cinnamon with water in a spray bottle, and spray corners of bathrooms or moist areas. Citronella air fresheners or candles can also be used to target whole rooms.
Woods also recommends rubbing lemon peels on windowsills, behind toilets, and around cabinets, as the citrus scent repels spiders. Plants like mint, lemongrass, or eucalyptus in rooms can serve as natural deterrents, as spiders dislike these aromas.
Finally, Blackhurst advises keeping firewood, garden bags, and compost heaps away from the home, as they attract insects and spiders. Limiting the food source is the most effective way to control spiders, he explains.
