A familiar fear grips homeowners across the UK in October, as it is the peak season for spiders. At this time of year, the nation’s biggest and fastest eight-legged residents—specifically the Giant House Spider (Eratigena atrica)—become highly visible as they search for a mate and a warm haven. You might spot them on your ceiling, windowsills, or crawling from the corner of the room.
While many homeowners focus on sealing windows and doors, one home safety expert has pointed to a much more surprising area that acts as a major doorway for these seasonal houseguests. Neil McKenzie at Halton Stairlifts says that your hallway is a likely hotspot for pesky spiders. He said: “You’ll often find that they have been inside your home all year but have just become more active as the weather cools and humidity rises.” Neil explained that the shoes you kick off at the front or back door are attractive to a spider looking for shelter.
“One of the most important things you need to be aware of if you want to prevent spiders is your shoes,” he cautioned.
“Shoes left out in the open create the perfect dark, quiet hiding spots for spiders.”
The solution is startlingly easy, requiring a simple change in habit rather than expensive pest control. Neil advises: “Keeping footwear inside closed cupboards or boxes further away from your front or back door greatly reduces the chance of them crawling in.”
A quick check is essential if you haven’t worn a pair in a while. Always give shoes a quick shake before wearing, especially if they’ve been untouched for a few days.
You can reinforce your home’s defences using natural, non-toxic repellents that spiders simply cannot stand.
UK Pest Control Guides explains that spiders smell with their legs and are highly sensitive to strong, natural oils, which disrupt the pheromone scent trails they follow.
Neil confirms this method is highly effective for general deterrence around the home. He notes: “Natural scents like peppermint, citrus, and eucalyptus can disrupt spiders’ scent trails and deter them from settling in.
“Placing peppermint-soaked cotton balls or pieces of citrus peel along windowsills, corners, and skirting boards works well.”
These options are not only affordable but also completely safe for pets and children, and as a bonus, they leave a “pleasant aroma throughout the home.”
Spiders thrive in clutter, as it provides dark, undisturbed hiding places. Ensure storage areas, such as attics, garages, and cellars, are tidy and organised.
The Natural History Museum recommends replacing old cardboard boxes with sealed plastic containers, as spiders cannot easily penetrate them.
Outdoor clutter causes a similar issue if it’s within the immediate perimeter of the home. Keep it clear of garden clutter such as woodpiles, compost heaps, and piles of dead leaves.
These are natural nesting areas for spiders, and storing them right next to your house offers them a convenient launchpad for their indoor expedition.