Experts recommend using strong scents such as peppermint or vinegar to deter spiders from entering homes during spider season, alongside physical removal of webs and egg sacs. Daniel Steward, managing director at Shield Pest Control, explained that spiders can enter properties through many tiny gaps or holes, making prevention challenging.
Natural Scents That Repel Spiders
Steward suggested using natural remedies like strong scents, including peppermint or vinegar, sprayed around the home, particularly near windows and doors. Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk echoed this advice, noting that spiders dislike the strong smell of certain essential oils.
"Mix a few drops of peppermint, lavender, or eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle, and apply it to areas where spiders may gather, like on fences, doorways, or garden sheds. This is a safe, chemical-free solution," Bonnett said.
Citrus and Vinegar as Deterrents
Bonnett added that spiders are also repelled by citrus scents. "You could try scattering lemon or orange peels around areas you want to keep spider-free, or rub them on window sills, doorways, and plant pots. The same goes for vinegar – a simple mixture of white vinegar and water can be sprayed around the garden," he said.
Physical Removal and Entry Point Checks
Steward noted that while scents are effective, physical removal may prove even more successful. "The best approach to eradicating spiders is by using a hard, stiff broom or a handheld vacuum cleaner to physically remove the egg sacks and webs. This will help to reduce the number of spiders being produced," he said.
Darren Coates, window and door expert at SolarFrame, advised being careful about leaving windows open after dark. "Earlier in September we were suggesting around 8pm as a sensible cut off for having windows open, but as the evenings have got darker, I’d now bring that forward to around 7pm," he said.
Gaps and Flats
Coates emphasised checking window and door frames for gaps. "If you can see daylight through a gap when the door is shut, then that’s definitely something worth getting looked at, not just because of spiders, but also due to the fact that your windows will be letting out warm air from your property and creating permanent draughts," he said.
He added that flats are not exempt, as spiders can climb walls and plants to reach windows and doors, making open windows and balcony doors an easy route indoors.
