Spiders in the UK don’t tend to be dangerous, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you want to see them in your home. There’s nothing more unsettling than relaxing on the couch in the evening only to see a spider dash out from the corner of your eye.
September is spider mating season, so you’re more likely to see them as they seek shelter and food indoors. However, there’s one very simple and natural item that can help to keep them away. Even better, it’s something you’ve probably got in your kitchen cupboard already.
Chantel Mila, a cleaning influencer and mum, is known for her handy tips on how to keep your home organised and make sure any unwanted pests remain at bay. Being from Australia, her spider-repelling tricks are well worth a shot here in the UK.
According to the pro, you don’t need to invest in any pricey or potentially dangerous pest repellents if you want a spider-free home this autumn.
In fact, all you need is a bit of salt and some water.
How to keep spiders away from your home
According to Chantel, you can drive spiders away from your property simply by mixing two tablespoons of salt with one cup of water and putting it in a spray bottle.
This ‘all natural’ spray can be applied to any points of entry where spiders are likely to appear, such as cracks in the floor, windowsills, door frames and much more.
According to the experts at House Digest, salt works great for repelling spiders because of its dehydrating properties – but it only becomes effective when it’s mixed with water.
They said: “Spiders have an exoskeleton that helps them retain moisture, which is essential for survival. When exposed to high concentrations of saltwater, the salt begins to draw moisture out of their bodies.
“This process gradually dehydrates the spider, leading to its death. It’s the reason a direct spray of saltwater works while dry crystals don’t do much.”
It’s recommended that you apply the spray around once a week to stop spiders from entering. However, it can leave a chalky residue once the water has dried up, so it’s worth giving any surfaces a wipe down regularly to prevent them from getting marked.