Spider mating season has officially begun in the UK, prompting homeowners and tenants to notice more arachnids inside their homes. Male spiders are driven indoors to find female mates in autumn, and although most UK spiders are harmless, they are often unwelcome house guests.
£1.97 spider repellent spray
To deter spiders, a home expert suggests creating a potent homemade spray costing just £1.97. James Higgins of Online Carpets said: “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.”
The spray requires three ingredients: white vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil, preferably peppermint, lemon or lavender. A 568ml bottle of white vinegar from Tesco costs 35p, while a 60ml bottle of ASDA’s Extra Special American Peppermint Extract is £1.62, bringing the total to £1.97.
How to make and use the spray
James said: “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 recommends using it on laminate or vinyl flooring in kitchens and bathrooms, and spraying crevices or corners where spiders hide.
For a quick fix, he 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.”
Other tips to keep spiders away
Regular cleaning is also advised. 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.” He added: “You will also want to do regular cleaning inside your home. Spiders love hiding – so it’s key to keep tidying and decluttering to remove their hiding places. Make sure you dust and vacuum regularly if you spot any spiderwebs.”
Keeping bins closed and away from windows is also crucial, as flies attract spiders. Spider mating season lasts from September to October, so the problem is likely to de-escalate after Halloween.
