Keep spiders out as temperatures drop

As temperatures drop, spider season begins. If you’re uneasy about those sudden dashes across the carpet, here’s how to keep them out.

As summer turns to autumn, Giant House Spiders, Cellar Spiders, and Noble False Widows emerge from the shadows, embarking on a frantic mission to seek refuge in the corners of your rooms. While these nocturnal creatures are harmless fly-catchers, their sudden appearance can still startle.

Why spiders invade your home

House spiders migrate to the most humid areas of the home, where they can thrive undisturbed. James Higgins, flooring expert at Online Carpet, explains: Spiders love moist environments, and so they will likely be heading into any rooms with hot water and appliances. This makes kitchens and bathrooms prime targets, where they can easily go unnoticed until you’re about to step into the shower or draw a bath.

You’re more likely to find spiders in kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture levels are higher and appliances provide warmth.

What doesn’t work: conkers

Placing conkers around your home is an old wives’ tale with no scientific backing, notes Higgins. Despite the widespread belief, scattering chestnuts offers no proven protection against spiders. Stick to methods with proven track records instead.

Spiders use sensors in their legs to taste the world, which makes potent spicy scents incredibly off-putting. This sensitivity to strong smells can be leveraged to keep them at bay.

What does work: cinnamon

Saif Derzi, founder of Property Buyers Today, suggests placing bundles of cinnamon sticks in wardrobes, cupboards, drawers, around skirting boards, behind furniture, and other spider-prone areas. Cinnamon’s heavy scent acts as a great deterrent, and its seasonal aroma adds a cozy touch to your home. Using sticks available in supermarkets for less than £1.50 is a cost-effective and mess-free solution.

For a simple custom defense spray, mix equal amounts of water and white vinegar along with your favorite essential oil into a spray bottle. This solution can be sprayed around windows, doors, and other entry points without damaging surfaces or posing risks to children and pets. Essential oils like peppermint or lavender are particularly effective in repelling spiders.

The warm, secluded areas behind radiators tend to accumulate dust, cobwebs, and debris – ideal spots for egg sacs to settle invisibly. Before using your heating regularly again, carefully vacuum around and underneath accessible radiators and remove any obvious cobwebs, advises Rob Nezard, heating expert at UK Radiators. Ensuring good airflow around radiators not only deters spiders but also improves heating efficiency.

While packing away your summer clothes, make sure to keep boxes tucked away and clearly separated from radiators, walls, or skirting boards. Placing items directly against radiators obstructs heat distribution and creates hidden spaces where spiders can thrive. Keeping these areas clear makes it easier to clean and inspect for unwanted guests.

Cool, blue-tinted light bulbs serve as radiant lures for nocturnal insects, inadvertently inviting spiders into your home. Switching to warm-white LED light bulbs may attract fewer pests, reducing the likelihood of spiders following their prey indoors. This simple lighting change can significantly impact your home’s pest population.

Certain plants act as natural pest repellents. Mint, lavender, eucalyptus, and citronella plants not only enhance your home’s aesthetic but also repel spiders with their strong scents. Placing these plants on windowsills and near doorways creates a natural barrier against unwanted intruders.

Spiders are drawn to areas with abundant prey, so ensure outdoor bins are kept far from open windows. Regularly cleaning bins and keeping them closed reduces fly populations, which in turn discourages spiders from lingering nearby.

While sealing gaps is important, avoid blocking essential ventilation points. Blocking vents can lead to condensation and moisture buildup, attracting insects that spiders prey on. Proper ventilation helps maintain a dry environment, making your home less appealing to pests.

Being proactive and relying on natural fragrances, easy housekeeping practices, and a non-toxic cleaning routine will keep spiders at bay without harsh chemicals. For added protection, consider using ultrasonic pest repellers, which work quietly in the background to deter unwanted guests.

The best news of all? Often when you spot a spider, it’s not because they have colonized your home, but more because the male is seeking a mate. As Higgins reassures us, Luckily, spider mating season only lasts through September and October, so after Halloween you should be free from any creepy crawlies. By November, you can relax and enjoy a spider-free autumn and winter.