Eco‑friendly ways to keep spiders at bay this autumn

With the onset of autumn, we start noticing more spiders in our homes. Although most tend to hide in dark, seldom-visited corners, the situation changes when males venture out in search of partners during the mating season.

Chris Houghton, a specialist from HomeServe, shares a simple and inexpensive way to keep spiders at bay. In a conversation with The Sun, he reveals that natural essential oils, such as lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus, are excellent deterrents. Spiders can't stand these intense scents, which keep them away from our homes.

To create this spray type, combine the selected essential oil with water and apply it to surfaces where these insects are often spotted. According to Houghton, these oils are available at pharmacies, and you only need to add a few drops to a water bottle before spraying it in places where spiders are likely to appear. Additionally, the fragrance is a bonus, as it won’t be disruptive to those in the house and will bring a pleasant ambience to your space.

Another effective and inexpensive method of dealing with spiders is vinegar, a product most of us have in the kitchen cupboard. Chris Houghton advises mixing vinegar with water, just like the essential oils, and spraying it in areas where spiders might appear.

Initially, the smell may be intense, but it quickly dissipates, while spiders will still be able to detect it, emphasizes the expert.

While vinegar is safe for humans, spiders are exceptionally sensitive to its smell, making it an effective, non-toxic repellent.

There are more ways to get rid of spiders. Mint and rosemary are herbs that smell great and effectively repel these insects.

To keep the herbs in good condition, it's advisable to place them on the windowsill and water them from below to maintain their freshness for longer. Their intense fragrance deters spiders while introducing a natural, refreshing aroma into the home.