With the summer months slowly coming to an end, many of us are excited to enjoy cosy nights as the days get shorter. However, we won't be the only ones finding refuge inside over the coming weeks.
The end of August marks the beginning of spider season, meaning many Scots are more likely to find the creepy crawlies scurrying around the house soon. Just like how the majority of us will want to escape the colder and gloomier weather that is likely on the horizon, spiders do the same.
However, one main reason that you may notice more spiders in your home during the autumn months is down to mating season. As such, during this time many male spiders will come out of hiding to look for a mate.
Strong smells to repel spiders
For those who aren't keen on the idea of spiders making their own homes in your house over the next couple of months, Pest UK has set out a few prevention tips you can try out. One of them is even said to repel spiders from your home.
According to the specialists, the best way to deter spiders from entering your home is to fill the space with strong smells. This includes smells with a strong citrus aroma, including lemon, limes, and oranges, as this will repel the spiders.
This is a popular way to deter spiders as the smell can overload the "taste" and "smell" sensors on the spider's legs, therefore making them avoid crawling through fragrant oils. Other strong smells that could help include eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, or peppermint oil.
Vinegar could also be used, but the majority of people are unlikely to want to leave the house with the pungent aroma. No matter which smell you choose, homeowners are advised to rub or spray around doors and window sills with the scent to prevent spiders from entering.
If you do find a spider in your house and are brave enough to remove it, the specialists advise placing a container over it, scooping it up with some card and placing it outside.
Other methods to keep spiders out
Below are other methods you could use to prevent spiders from entering and staying in your home, however some may be more reliable than others.
Cats and dogs - most pets enjoy a game of chase when they spot a spider. Although they won't be able to get rid of the entire infestation, they should be able to eliminate the odd few that run around the house.
Keep windows shut at night - most spiders are nocturnal, so keeping windows and doors closed while you sleep should prevent them from getting into your home at night.
Keep the lights down - just like moths, spiders are drawn to light. Therefore, you should turn outside lights off when you are not using them and keep blinds shut when the lights are on inside.
Clear the clutter - spiders like to lay low in places that are out of sight such as in boxes and packages. Removing any clutter from your home should limit the places they can reside.
Get rid of webs - check your rooms regularly, particularly corners, for spider webs and remove them wherever you find them.
Limit access to food - remove any dead flies or other creepy crawlies from window sills and doorways as they could be a tasty treat for spiders.
Vacuum regularly - make sure to vacuum regularly and thoroughly, especially in areas where spiders may like to hide such as dark corners, under sofas, and behind cupboards.
Fill gaps - check that there aren't any cracks or gaps in walls, doors, pipework, or windows as spiders could crawl through. Sealing or filling the cracks can stop spiders moving in.
Conkers - according to old wives' tales, spiders don't like conkers. While this may not be entirely true, having a row of conkers on your window sills could add a nice autumnal decoration to your home.
