Keep spiders and flies out with one spice on windowsills
Scattering cloves, cinnamon, or star anise near windows and doors can help deter spiders, flies, moths, ants, and mosquitoes from entering your home.
Category : Environment
Swansea graveyard's transformation into community garden hailed
A Swansea city centre graveyard transformed into a community garden after years of planning has been hailed a success, with thousands of names recorded and wildlife thriving.
Knowsley Safari Park announces death of 'much-loved' lion Sam
Sam, a 15-year-old African lion at Knowsley Safari Park, has been humanely euthanised after a sudden decline in his health, staff confirmed.
Councillors call for boost to walking, wheeling and cycling
South Lanarkshire Council could boost walking, wheeling and cycling efforts to improve health, tackle inequality and cut climate emissions, with a motion set for full council meeting.
SSEN welcomes approval of Perthshire substation project
Perth and Kinross councillors approved the Cambushinnie 400kV Substation and its haul track near Braco, marking a milestone for SSEN Transmission's Beauly to Denny upgrade.
Rutherglen MSP welcomes online safety surveys for families
Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has welcomed two Scottish Government surveys exploring families' experiences of smartphones, social media and being online.
Blackberry Picking Rules: Brits Warned Over £300 Fine
Picking blackberries in the wrong place could lead to a £300 fine. Learn the legal rules, where foraging is banned, and how to pick responsibly.
Campaign targets bin changes over vermin fears
A petition with over 1,200 signatures and Alexandria Community Council are urging West Dunbartonshire Council to reinstate fortnightly bin collections, citing vermin and overflowing rubbish.
Consultation opens on South Lanarkshire woodland plans
A consultation is under way on a Woodland Management Plan for South Lanarkshire’s two country parks, Chatelherault and Calderglen, with feedback sought until September 21.
Stop dark clothes fading by adding 1 natural bathroom item to washing machine
Cleaning expert Mama Mila suggests adding one cup of Epsom salt to the washing machine to prevent dark clothes from fading, but specialists warn it may damage fabrics and the appliance.
Allerton fight to save 70-year-old cherry tree from felling
Allerton residents, led by 80-year-old Margaret Lake, are battling to save a 70-year-old cherry blossom tree on Hurstlyn Road, which Torus plans to fell as it is dying.
Bath introduces England's first SUV parking permit tax
Bath becomes the first English city to charge residents more for parking permits based on vehicle size, with SUV owners facing up to £112 extra.
Barcelona Fire: Explosion Reported as Blaze Hits Collserola
A fire near Barcelona has erupted on the Collserola mountain range, with plumes of smoke visible near Canyelles and an explosion reported at a transmission tower.
Government Weighs More Support as Energy Bills Set to Hit £1,729
Ministers are exploring additional help for vulnerable households as average energy bills are forecast to rise to £1,729 a year, the highest level in three years.
British Gas heat pump advice: key differences explained
British Gas has issued advice for households deciding whether to swap a gas boiler for a heat pump, explaining key differences in cost, efficiency, and installation.
Spider season starts early in Wales due to warm weather
Warm weather has brought spiders indoors earlier than usual in Wales. An expert explains why sightings are up and how to deter them.
Council apologises for 3,500 missed recycling bin collections
North Tyneside Council has apologised after approximately 3,500 recycling bin collections were missed due to unforeseen operational pressures. All missed bins were collected by Monday.
Met Office warns of 'intense' thunderstorms causing disruption
The Met Office has issued yellow thunderstorm warnings for Wednesday and Thursday, warning of intense downpours that could cause travel disruption and localised flooding across much of England and Wales.
9 Most Aggressive Dog Breeds Named by Experts
Experts at Urban Pet Hospital list nine dog breeds that can be more prone to aggressive behaviour, stressing that training and socialisation can help.
Russia faces petrol crisis after Ukraine refinery strikes
Russia is facing a petrol crisis after repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries, with long queues reported at Moscow petrol stations.
Dog revived with CPR after rescue from 'worst room' RSPCA officer had ever seen
A German Shepherd named Bella was given life-saving CPR after being rescued from a filthy kitchen in Lancashire. Her owner, Charles Bruce, has been banned from keeping animals indefinitely.
Morag: Scotland's other mysterious loch monster
Scotland is said to be home to another mysterious loch monster besides Nessie: Morag, who reportedly lives in Loch Morar in the west Highlands, with sightings dating back to 1887.
Fox launches Pumpkin Spice Indulgent Creams for autumn 2026
Fox’s Pumpkin Spice Indulgent Creams, a chocolate-coated shortcake biscuit with a pumpkin spice cream centre, arrives August 31 in UK supermarkets for £3.
Peppermint oil spray urged as spider mating season starts
UK households are urged to spray peppermint oil around windows and doors as spider mating season begins at the end of August, with warmer weather extending activity.
Dead fish wash up at Ruislip Lido as heatwave depletes oxygen
Dead fish have washed up at Ruislip Lido in London after low oxygen levels, likely caused by an algal bloom triggered by the summer heatwave.
Dead fish wash up at London lake in heatwave blow to wildlife
Dead fish have washed up at Ruislip Lido due to low oxygen levels caused by an algal bloom, linked to the summer heatwave. The lake is closed to fishing while the Environment Agency lends aerators to restore oxygen.
Stop spiders and flies entering your home with one spice
Placing cloves near windows and doors can repel spiders, flies, moths and other bugs naturally, according to a viral TikTok hack.
North East urged to join global nurdle hunt in pollution survey
People in the North East are urged to join The Great Global Nurdle Hunt, logging plastic pellet findings on beaches, rivers and ports from September 4 to October 4 to map plastic pollution globally.
British Gas heat pump advice: key differences from boilers
British Gas shared advice for homeowners considering switching from a boiler to a heat pump, highlighting costs, efficiency, and lifespan differences.
Prepare Your Garden for Rain After Drought: RHS Expert Tips
Rain is expected in the South East on Wednesday after weeks of drought. RHS chief horticulturist Guy Barter shares tips to prepare your garden for sudden storms.
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