September marks the height of indoor spider season, and with mating season underway, homes are likely to see more of the eight-legged guests. Pest control experts have shared a budget-friendly, eco-conscious £1 trick for stopping creepy crawlies from getting inside — and most people already have the ingredient in their kitchen cupboard.
Why Cinnamon Works as a Spider Repellent
Pest control specialist Jordan Foster said scattering cinnamon in crevices, corners and anywhere spider webs tend to appear can be highly effective. She said: "Ground cinnamon is a natural repellent to carpenter ants and other bugs that may roam the kitchen."
Spiders don't smell in the way humans do, but they pick up on chemicals in the air and on surfaces through tiny sensory hairs on their legs and bodies. Powerful scents can prove unpleasant or disruptive, prompting them to steer clear of those spots. Cinnamon's essential oils (cinnamaldehyde and related compounds) possess a strong aroma and can function as irritants or repellents for certain insects and other small pests in laboratory conditions.
How to Apply the £1 Trick
For optimal results, scatter the spice along entry points such as windowsills, skirting boards and door thresholds. Alternatively, essential oils or scented candles can be used if you'd prefer to avoid brown powder ending up all over your home.
Jordan added: "You can use cinnamon on any indoor or outdoor space as protection against pest infestations."
Other Ways to Keep Spiders Away for Good
- Check vents and screens: Repair torn window screens and make sure air bricks/vents have intact mesh so you're not leaving an easy "open door".
- The hoover is your best friend: Vacuum webs, egg sacs and dusty edges (ceilings, corners, behind radiators and furniture) to remove hiding spots and food sources.
- Declutter dark corners: Piles of clothes, boxes and "stuff" under beds or in cupboards create perfect shelter. Less clutter means fewer places to settle.
- Seal gaps and cracks: Use sealant around window frames, skirting boards and where pipes/cables come in – if you can fit a coin through it, a spider can often get in.
- Goodbye temptation: Keep bin lids firmly closed, clean up any sticky spillages, avoid leaving dirty dishes out overnight, and tackle any flies or moths as soon as they appear.
