The worst time of year has officially begun for spider fearing arachnophobes.
It feels like it gets earlier every year, a bit like Christmas season, but spider season’s only present is an unwelcome appearance of whopping great beasts scuttling across various rooms of your house.
Spider season marks the time of year, usually running from some time in August until early October, when eight-legged arachnids make their way into our houses, or come out from where they were hiding in your various nooks and crannies, and search for a mate to shack up with for the winter months ahead.
While spiders are thankfully mostly harmless in the UK, most of us still aren’t super keen on bumping into one when we’re trying to relax, and they seem to be bigger every year.
For spider fearing households, there is something you can do though.
According to Daniel Steward, managing director of Shield Pest Control, spiders really dislike lavender, both the cut flower and lavender infused essential oils.
He said: “‘Lavender’s aroma disrupts spiders’ ability to track scent trails, which they use for navigation and communication. This confusion makes it harder for spiders to find safe nesting locations, discouraging them from staying in the area.”
Instead of using fresh cut lavender, you can use a lavender Furthermore, some compounds in lavender oil have mild insect-repellent properties, adding to its effectiveness.
“Dilute lavender essential oil with water and use it as a spray around common spider entry points such as windows and door frames.
“You can also place dried lavender sachets inside wardrobes, drawers, or under furniture to create an ongoing scent barrier. Cotton balls soaked in lavender oil can be positioned strategically in spider-prone areas for additional protection. Refresh sachets and cotton balls regularly to maintain their potency and keep spiders at bay.”
Other deterrents which work to repel spiders include lemon peel, according to experts. Since spiders taste with their feet, they do not like sharp flavours like citrus, as well as lavender.
While most spiders are harmless, six UK areas are on high alert right now for false widow spiders, known as the UK’s most dangerous spider. It’s venom can actually lead to infections and serious illness, and it’s increasingly commonly found in the south of England.
