Here in Scotland, most species of spiders are completely harmless. However, that doesn’t stop people from being petrified of these eight legged creatures entering our homes. As we enter into the autumn months you’ll notice spiders venturing inside a lot more, as they flee cold temperatures – and look for a mate.
Take a look at what you can do to keep them out of your home without causing them any harm.
Spider Catcher
Lakeland has come up with a handy tool to help you remove spiders from your home. It’s a battery operated gentle vacuum which picks up the spider and allows you to take it outside unharmed.
Essential oils
In terms of natural oils, peppermint is the most popular for repelling spiders. You could also use Tea Tree, Lavender, Rose or Cinnamon. You can either spray it around the house or pop it on a damp towel and place on a warm radiator. Alternatively plug in atomisers are very popular and are effective for distributing scent around your home. Try and go for a minty/citrus scent.
Vinegar
If you don’t want to use essential oils, try vinegar. Simply put it in a spray bottle mixed with an equal amount of water and spray the mixture around your home paying attention to corners, gaps and cracks especially around the skirting board and doors. Just be careful not to spray vinegar on furniture as it can strip any oils or finish.
Citrus
Spiders don’t like citrus scent so this is another option – what’s more it will give a lovely fresh scent to your home! Use either natural oils or citrus based cleaners to deter spiders. You could even rub citrus peel along your skirting boards.
Cedar
Another scent that deters spiders is Cedar. Either place a Cedar plant in your home or use scented oils or candles. You can even buy Cedar balls to place in wardrobes and drawers.
Eucalyptus and mint
The strong scent of the Eucalyptus trees and mint are thought to repel spiders. Lavender is also effective – try and plant them as close to the home as possible, under windows is ideal.
Lighting
Although spiders aren’t attracted by the light, it does attract insects that they feed on and in turn you’ll end up with spiders in your home! Use blackout blinds to stop insects venturing in and turn off lights at night.
Conkers
There could be something in this old wive’s tale! Whilst it hasn’t been scientifically proven, many people swear by placing a few conkers around the room to deter spiders. If you have other pets, beware as they can be poisonous.
Garlic
Another scent that spiders seem to loathe is garlic! Either put whole cloves in the corners of your room or chopped up in a spray bottle with water – but you may not want to have to endure the smell so we would recommend trying mint or citrus first!
Check the exterior
Try to ensure spiders don’t go inside your house by checking gaps and places they can crawl in. Make sure all vents are covered and cracks filled in and spray vinegar round these areas regularly. If you have any cracks in your window sills, get these filled in. Also cover your chimney with mesh to avoid them crawling in. These measures may not completely stop them coming into the home but it may help. You can also keep plug holes closed when not in use.