For those who fear the creepy crawlies, there is nothing worse than discovering an infestation of spiders in your home. To make matters worse, more heavy rain is forecast for the foreseeable future, which is likely to drive spiders inside to avoid the harsh conditions.
However, despite the ‘perfect’ damp conditions that help drive spiders indoors for shelter, there are some ways to prevent the eight-legged friends from entering your home.
To make matters worse, spider mating season tends to peak between late August and early October. This means the creatures will act on their natural instincts to leave their webs to find a mate in warmer and drier places.
Male spiders find homes attractive because they provide a cosier and more stable environment in which to find a suitable mate than the growing cold of autumn outside.
The main reason you see more spiders in September is that the males are roaming around, often getting into homes through open windows and doors, or through cracks and gaps. The total number of spiders doesn’t really go up, but you just see more of them as they come out from their typical hiding spots.
While the males are on the hunt for mates and eventually pass away, the female spiders can stick around for several years and might stay hidden inside homes.
Yellow weather warnings have been issued as parts of the UK may be drenched in heavy downpours over the coming days, the Met Office said. Wet and windy conditions are set to continue, with rain alerts in place for parts of Wales on Wednesday.
It comes after windy weather swept across the country overnight on Sunday, with gusts of up to 80mph recorded by the Met Office. Three rules that UK households can follow to deter spiders in the safest way possible are listed below.
1. Use essential oils
If you’re looking for a simple way to keep spiders out of your home, you can try using various essential oils or other ingredients to repel them. For instance, spiders really dislike peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus oils since these contain compounds that interfere with their natural senses and pheromones.
The potent aroma of certain essential oils, like menthol, can mimic plants that spiders usually steer clear of because they link them to danger. By spraying these essential oils around doorways and windows in your home and garage, you should be able to stop spiders from getting in.
This approach does not harm them when they come onto your property, but it effectively repels them, so they will probably not come back. However, for households with pets, keep in mind that many essential oils aren’t safe for pets and can be toxic, particularly for cats.
They can cause harm through skin absorption, breathing them in, or if they are ingested. It’s always a good idea to check with a vet before using essential oils around your pets.
Keep windows shut
If you find spiders in your home, the first step is to shut your windows, particularly after it rains. The weather in the UK is getting chillier, and spiders are looking for warm, dry spots to breed.
You might want to consider sealing your windows with mesh, screens, or sealant to effectively keep them out. Don’t forget to check vents and gaps under doors, since spiders can squeeze through the smallest openings.
Keep your home tidy
Messy spaces are like a spider’s paradise, particularly in a garage filled with furniture, boxes, or junk. By clearing out the clutter in your home or garage, you’re removing possible spider nests, which means there are fewer spots for them to hide or make themselves at home.
Spiders thrive in warm, moist places such as garages, basements, or bathrooms. These spots offer the moisture they need to keep their webs strong and flexible. The dampness also draws in other pests like mosquitoes and silverfish, which happen to be spiders’ favourite snacks.