Drivers across the UK are being urged to put orange peels inside their cars in October and November to help keep spiders out.
The autumn season coincides with spider mating season, which sees the eight-legged critters head indoors in search of shelter and a mate before the winter. The season usually begins in early September and lasts until early November, so there’s still several weeks to go before spiders go back into hiding. Spiders find their way indoors through any cracks, gaps and crevices they can find, but it’s not just finding them in your home you have to worry about as the warmth of your car can also serve as a cosy spot for them too. To avoid a nasty fright while driving, experts recommend putting using natural deterrents to encourage spiders to move on to somewhere else instead – and all you need is some orange peel.
Car expert Lee Caroline, from car scrap company LJC Autospares, warns that drivers who are distracted by a spider in their vehicle while behind the wheel could be landed with a fine up to £1,000 for driving without due care and attention. This fine could rise up to £2,500 for careless driving if the distraction leads to an accident, with drivers also facing up to nine penalty points on their licence.
To avoid this problem, drivers can make use of natural deterrents in their cars during the remainder of the spider season this October and November, including placing orange peels around their vehicle.
Spiders have a very sensitive sense of smell and don’t like strong aromas, especially citrus fruits like orange. As such, drivers can utilise this by placing orange peels around their car, such as on the dashboard or on the floor, or make a homemade spray solution from the peels to spritz throughout your vehicle.
Experts at Enviroliteracy explain: “Orange peels can help to repel spiders. Spiders are known to dislike strong citrus scents, and the compounds found in orange peels can be an effective, natural deterrent.”
They add: “Spiders rely heavily on their senses, particularly the tiny hairs on their legs, to detect vibrations and smells. Strong odours, like those emitted by citrus fruits, can overwhelm their senses, causing them to avoid the area.”
Experts suggest soaking orange peels in boiling water, along with a few drops of essential oil, and leaving this overnight before transferring it into a spray bottle. If you don’t have any oranges to hand you can also use lemon, lime or grapefruit peels instead, and introduce some other strong smelling aromas that spiders dislike, such as tea tree, peppermint or cinnamon.
Lee explains: “Spiders are put off by certain potent scents, so introducing aromas like citrus, peppermint, and tea tree into your car’s interior through an air freshener may help deter them. Another scent spiders hate is cinnamon, so placing cinnamon-scented air fresheners or regular sticks in your car can also be an effective solution.
“Keeping your car clean both inside and out is important for deterring spiders and getting rid of the insects they feed on, such as flies. Spiders will naturally gravitate towards dark, sheltered spaces, which include any discarded bags, wrappers and cartons you might have lying around.
“Leftover food can attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. When cleaning the interior, white vinegar can serve as an effective cleaner and repellent.”
Experts also recommend cleaning the air vents in your car and to check the seals around your windows, as these can serve as entry points for spiders.
Lee adds: “It’s easy to forget, but a car’s air vents can be a major spider hotspot and should be cleaned regularly. The rubber seals around windows and boots might also be a potential weak point for spiders to get in, particularly if they’re perished or broken.
“The good news is that these seals are relatively inexpensive to replace. Also, make sure your windows are fully rolled up, as even the smallest gap is enough to invite spiders inside.
“If a spider does appear, the most important thing is to stay calm and keep both hands on the wheel to maintain control of the vehicle. If it’s safe to do so, find a place to pull over and remove the spider without putting yourself or others at risk.”