Households across the UK are being urged to spray vinegar in the corners of every room this October to keep spiders out. Now that the weather is getting colder and the days are slowly growing shorter, it’s a time when we start to spend more time snuggled up indoors. But we aren’t the only ones retreating from the cold as the beginning of autumn also coincides with spider mating season, when the creepy crawlies head inside in search of warmth, shelter and a mate. It means you’re likely to spot the odd spider scuttling around your home, with the mating season typically running from early September until early November.
While they are harmless, not everyone is a fan, so if you want to avoid a fright over the next few weeks there is a very easy way to deter spiders from your home and the answer is likely already tucked away in your kitchen cupboard. According to pest experts, all you need to keep spiders out is some white vinegar. While it’s most commonly used as a cleaning tool, this cheap, natural product is also an effective spider repellent.
Spiders have a highly sensitive sense of smell and when they encounter the strong odour of vinegar, the aroma can overwhelm and confuse the chemoreceptors on their legs, which they use to sense their environment and find their way.
The acetic acid in vinegar not only gives off an off-putting smell, it also disrupts their ability to sense its environment causing spiders to avoid the area entirely. While you can use the solution around key entry points like windowsills and doors, it’s also important to give the corners of all your rooms a good spritz too as this is often where spiders like to hide.
It’s also worth putting a diluted vinegar solution into bowls and placing these around underneath sofas, beds and other furniture, as spiders like hiding in these dark spaces too.
Experts at Ecogen Pest Control explain: “Spiders often spin their webs in corners where walls and ceilings meet. These spots provide support for their webs, and they are usually undisturbed. Regularly cleaning corners can help reduce spider activity.
“The dark spaces beneath beds, couches, and other furniture are perfect hiding spots for spiders. These areas are seldom disturbed, offering spiders a peaceful place to stay. Moving furniture occasionally and vacuuming can help keep these spaces spider-free.”
While white vinegar is an effective natural deterrent, it isn’t a permanent solution so you’ll need to keep spraying the solution around your home on a regular basis so the scent keeps its potency. And if you aren’t keen on the smell of vinegar, you can always add a squeeze of lemon to the mix as spiders also hate the smell of citrus fruits and it means you get to enjoy a fresher scent.
Experts at Green Pest Solutions said: “If you are looking to avoid harmful chemicals, there’s a natural, popular household item you can turn to for help: vinegar. There are so many uses for vinegar, and fortunately, one of them is as a remedy for unwanted spiders.
“White vinegar contains acetic acid that harms spiders, so by using a diluted vinegar solution, you can safely and successfully repel these unwelcome guests.”
The experts add: “Mix together equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray directly on spiders, webs, or in places where you find them like corners, cabinets, or closets. Be sure to spray cracks or crevices in the walls and floors as well. Repeat regularly.
“Since the odour alone may be enough to repel them, you can place small dishes of diluted white vinegar in corners, underneath furniture, or other dark areas where they might be tempted to set up shop.”