As the crisp autumn air sets in, so does the annual migration of one of Britain's most common and feared house guests: the giant house spider. With mating season peaking from September through October, these eight-legged intruders are on a mission to seek warmth and shelter, often finding their way into our homes.
But before you reach for the toxic chemical sprays or a rolled-up newspaper, a leading pest control expert has revealed a series of remarkably simple and natural methods to keep them at bay. These eco-friendly hacks are not only effective but also safe for your family and pets.
The Scents Spiders Despise
It turns out, spiders have a highly sensitive sense of smell, and there are certain fragrances they simply cannot abide. The number one weapon in your anti-spider arsenal? Peppermint oil.
"Spiders hate the smell of peppermint," confirms the expert. The most effective method is to soak cotton wool balls in pure peppermint essential oil and place them in strategic locations around your home—on windowsills, near doorways, and in corners. Refreshing these every few days will create a powerful scent barrier that deters new visitors.
Other pungent scents that send spiders scrambling include citrus, tea tree, lavender, and eucalyptus. A few drops of any of these oils mixed with water in a spray bottle makes for an excellent natural repellent to use around potential entry points.
The Great Conker Conundrum
Could a childhood myth actually be true? Many swear by the old wives' tale that placing conkers (horse chestnuts) around your rooms keeps spiders away. While the science isn't entirely conclusive, the expert suggests there might be some merit to it.
"It is believed that conkers emit a scent that is noxious to spiders," they explain. While not a guaranteed fix, it's a harmless and traditional method worth trying. Scatter them in corners and on windowsills for a classic British approach to pest control.
Seal the Deal: Fortify Your Home
The best defence is a good offence. Spiders can squeeze through the tiniest of gaps, so a crucial step is to physically block their entry.
- Seal cracks and crevices: Use caulk to fill in gaps around windows, doors, pipework, and skirting boards.
- Check your screens: Ensure window and door screens are intact and free of holes.
- Mind the doors: Keep external doors closed as much as possible, especially in the evening.
Keep a Tidy House
Clutter is a spider's paradise. It provides countless hiding spots and makes for perfect web-building real estate. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and decluttering, especially in quieter rooms like lofts, garages, and under beds, will remove both spiders and their egg sacs, disrupting their life cycle.
Pay special attention to clearing away cobwebs as soon as you see them. This not only removes the spider's home but also signals to other spiders that this is an inhospitable territory.
By combining these natural scent-based strategies with good old-fashioned housekeeping, you can enjoy a more peaceful—and spider-free—autumn.
