Eco‑friendly solutions to keep spiders out this fall

With the arrival of fall, spiders often begin to appear indoors. Although they typically prefer to hide in dark, seldom-visited corners, the situation changes during mating season when males venture out in search of partners.

Chris Houghton, a specialist from HomeServe, shares a straightforward and cost-effective method to eliminate spiders from your home. 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 their intense scents, effectively keeping them at bay.

To make this spray, just combine your chosen essential oil with water and apply it to areas where you frequently notice these insects. Houghton notes that these oils are available at pharmacies, and by adding a few drops to a water bottle, you can spray it in places where spiders are likely to be found. A bonus is the pleasant fragrance, which won’t bother anyone in the house and will enhance the atmosphere.

Another effective and low-cost way to address spiders is with vinegar – a product common in most kitchen cupboards. Chris Houghton advises mixing vinegar, like the essential oils, with water and spraying it in areas where spiders are likely to appear.

"Initially, the smell may be strong, but it quickly dissipates, and spiders will still be able to detect it," emphasizes the expert.

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

There are more ways to deter spiders. Mint and rosemary are herbs that smell delightful and effectively repel these insects.

To maintain the herbs in good condition, it's advisable to place them on the windowsill and water them from below to extend their freshness. Their strong fragrance deters spiders while adding a natural, refreshing aroma to your home.