As the autumn whispers begin to settle across the UK, a formidable army of eight-legged visitors is preparing to make their presence known. Known as spider mating season, this annual onslaught sees thousands of spiders creeping indoors, potentially causing unease among homeowners. Here’s what you need to understand to keep these creepy crawlies at bay.
Understanding the Timing
Spider mating season typically kicks into gear in early September, stretching into the heart of October. This period marks when male spiders, drawn by the call of reproduction, venture inside homes. Engagingly, in the UK, over 650 spider species exist, of which 12 are capable of harming humans. Yet during this time, it’s the notorious house spiders, cellar spiders, and money spiders that most often grace our abodes.
Tactics to Keep Spiders Out
Banish Clutter
Spiders are drawn to cluttered environments where shadows offer sanctuary. Regular cleaning routines, involving vacuuming and utilizing plastic-lid storage, can be your first line of defense against these creatures.
Embrace the Light
Natural daylight can deter spiders’ advances. By keeping your blinds or curtains open, you throw light into the corners where spiders would otherwise find comfort.
Aromatic Allies
Don’t underestimate the power of essential oils such as tea tree, peppermint, or lavender. Spraying these around your home’s edges provides an aromatic barrier, peacefully discouraging spider entry.
Draw Your Line in Chalk
An interesting trick to repel spiders involves chalk lines around windowsills and doorways—a simple yet effective deterrent given their disdain for chalk’s texture.
Fortify Cracks
Carefully inspect your walls, floors, and ceilings for any conceivable entry points and secure them. Even the smallest crack can admit an unwanted arachnid visitor.
Tidy the Outdoors
Maintaining a clean yard allocates less opportunity for spiders to settle nearby before making homes indoors. Keep plant growth away from your home’s outer walls, and remove any leaf litter or woodpiles.
Debunk the Conker Myth
While old tales proclaim chestnuts as spider deterrents, there’s little to support their efficacy. Reliability lies more readily in potent scents, like garlic or vinegar, to ward off arachnids.
As stated in Welwyn Hatfield Times, these methods collectively stand as your best strategy to maintain a spider-free home environment during this peak period. However, remember to enjoy the beauty of autumn, knowing you’re prepared to meet its eight-legged challenge with confidence.