Within the last month, ‘how to get rid of spiders’ has seen a 5,000% increase in searches according to Google Trends, and with spider season soon to get underway, you may soon be seeing even more of these creatures inside your home. Reports have stated that recently, a number of non-native arachnids, including the Distinguished Jumping Spider, have been spotted in UK homes.
With this in mind, Miroslav Radov, owner of Rainbow Rubbish Removals, has shared just how you can deter these eight-legged creatures from your home. Miroslav has highlighted a number of natural repellents that can be purchased for as little as 35p. These are citrus scents, vinegar, and essential oils, including eucalyptus and tea tree.
Citrus scents
Spiders typically find the strong scents of citrus fruits unpleasant and overwhelming. Miroslav recommends placing citrus peels or citrus-scented products around entry points to prevent spiders from entering your home.
Vinegar
“Vinegar also has a strong acidic scent, which helps to deter spiders,” explains Miroslav. “White vinegar can be particularly useful, as it contains acetic acid, which is unpleasant for spiders, causing them to avoid areas in which this vinegar is used.
“This is a popular non-toxic method to deter spiders, and costs as little as 35p!”
Eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil
Like citrus fruits, both eucalyptus and tea tree are scents that spiders detest. Both of these essential oils contain aromatic molecules that spiders find unappealing and look to avoid.
They also tend to mask the scent trails that spiders use to navigate, which further deters them.
Other spider deterrents
And it’s not just these three things that can deter spiders from your home. Miroslav also suggests sealing up any possible entry points that spiders may use, including any cracks in doors and walls.
He further suggests that keeping your home free of clutter and litter can play a big part in preventing spiders from being attracted to your home.
Miroslav advises: “Ensure that you regularly vacuum and mop, taking extra care in spaces such as kitchens that can harbour crumbs and food waste, which attracts small insects. These insects are spider prey and can thereby attract spiders.”
Alongside this, you should also be keeping any outdoor spaces clean and tidy too. Removing any potential hiding spots and food sources outside can make your garden less appealing to spiders, which in turn reduces the likelihood of them making their way indoors.