Spider mating season has officially started in the UK, and a simple homemade spray made from three ingredients can help keep these eight-legged visitors out of your home for just £1.97.
During autumn, male spiders are drawn indoors and into warm spaces in search of female mates. While the overwhelming majority of spiders found in the UK pose no threat, these creepy-crawlies are often unwelcome houseguests.
To discourage spiders from entering your home and settling into snug corners, several measures can be taken, including using a powerful £1.97 spray to keep them at bay.
Where spiders are most likely to appear
Home expert James Higgins of Online Carpets highlighted which parts of the home are most attractive to spiders. "Spiders love moist environments, and so they will likely be heading into any rooms with hot water and appliances, which means you're more likely to find spiders in kitchens and bathrooms," he said.
Spider mating season runs only from September through to October, so spider troubles are likely to subside once Halloween has passed.
James added: "Although there is no way to fully spider-proof your home, there are some natural remedies you can use to keep spiders away as mating season approaches."
How to make the £1.97 spider repellent spray
James's foremost recommendation is to whip up a potent homemade spray that acts as a spider repellent. The spray costs just £1.97 to make, making it considerably cheaper than most spider repellents currently on the market.
All you need are three ingredients: white vinegar, water, and a few drops of an essential oil (ideally peppermint, lemon, or lavender). A 568ml bottle of white or distilled vinegar from Tesco costs 35p, while a 60ml bottle of ASDA's Extra Special American Peppermint Extract costs £1.62, bringing the total to £1.97.
James shared: "You can create your own cleaning solution by mixing a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water, and then add a few drops of your chosen essential oil."
He added: "You can use this trick when it comes to cleaning any laminate or vinyl flooring that you may have in your kitchen or bathroom - perfect for the spider hotspots."
The expert advises spraying this mixture into any gaps or corners throughout your home where spiders are likely to be lurking.
Quick fix and prevention tips
For a particularly speedy solution, James suggested: "If you're looking for a particularly quick fix, you can easily make your own spider repellent by mixing around 20 drops of an essential oil with water in a spray bottle. You can choose from lemon, peppermint or lavender essential oils to give your home a lovely smell, and fend off any spiders at the same time."
Keeping on top of cleaning is also a surefire way to prevent spider infestations. James said: "You should then clean off any windowsills - especially any that already have cobwebs - as the dirt and build up could be attracting insects, and then, spiders. You can use a simple mix of white vinegar and warm water to spray over your windows and windowsills to leave them sparkling ahead of spider mating season."
He also stressed the importance of regular cleaning inside the home, dusting and vacuuming regularly, and keeping household bins sealed and positioned away from windows. "Flies love our bins, and if you're attracting flies, you'll probably attract some spiders too," he added.
