As the nights are starting to get darker, and the days cooler, many UK households may be noticing that more eight-legged visitors are making their way indoors.
During September and October, spider sightings peak as they seek warmth and shelter, often sneaking through tiny gaps around our windows and doors.
To help prevent spiders from entering the home, experts at Express Bi-Folding Doors have shared simple and eco-friendly hacks (including a clever 10p solution using peppermint tea bags) so homeowners can enjoy cosy autumn evenings without unwanted creepy crawlies.
Top tips to stop spiders coming into your home:
- The peppermint tea trick
Spiders dislike strong scents, particularly peppermint. Brew a peppermint tea bag, allow it to cool, and then pour the liquid into a spray bottle with a little water. Spritz this around your door frames, windowsills and corners of rooms to keep spiders away.
Used tea bags can also be placed in corners as natural repellents. With tea bags costing as little as 10p each, it’s a very cheap and sustainable way to keep spiders away.
- Seal any gaps
Check for cracks, gaps or loose fittings around doors and windows. You could use a tube of silicone or acrylic caulk from DIY shops to fill small cracks. Spiders only need a tiny opening to make their way inside your home, so sealing up any entry points is one of the most effective ways to keep them outside.
- Keep your home tidy
Spiders love hiding in cluttered spaces. Regular vacuuming, dusting, and clearing away piles of clothes or boxes can reduce the number of hiding spots available to them.
- Use natural scents
In addition to peppermint, spiders hate citrus, eucalyptus, and lavender. Place citrus peels on windowsills, or dab a drop of essential oil on cotton pads and place them near doors and windows to keep spiders from venturing inside.
