UK households are being urged to move their shoes away from doors to help deter spiders from coming into their homes this autumn.
With summer behind us and autumn bringing darker nights and colder weather, the so-called 'spider season' has begun. It runs from August through to October, with peak activity in September, when large house spiders come inside looking for shelter to stay warm.
Expert advice on shoes
Neil Mckenzie, home safety expert at Halton Stairlifts, says something as simple as where you take your shoes off could make a big difference.
“As temperatures drop in autumn, house spiders become more visible because males start roaming in search of mates,” he says. “You’ll often find that they have been inside your home all year but have just become more active as the weather cools and humidity rises. The warmth and shelter of homes make them ideal spots for them to venture during this period.”
“One of the most important things you need to be aware of if you want to prevent spiders is your shoes. Shoes left out in the open create the perfect dark, quiet hiding spots for spiders. Keeping footwear inside closed cupboards or boxes further away from your front or back door greatly reduces the chance of them crawling in.”
Natural deterrents to try
Mckenzie also advises giving shoes a quick shake before wearing, especially if they have been untouched for a few days. He suggests placing peppermint-soaked cotton balls near shoes to deter spiders further.
“If you want to reduce the presence of spiders more generally around your home, natural scents like peppermint, citrus, and eucalyptus can disrupt spiders’ scent trails and deter them from settling in. Placing peppermint-soaked cotton balls or pieces of citrus peel along windowsills, corners, and skirting boards works well.”
“These options are safe, affordable, and leave a pleasant aroma throughout the home. When combined with regular cleaning and keeping the home dry, they create an environment spiders prefer to avoid.”
