How to keep spiders out of your home this spider season

The surge marks the start of the annual spider mating season, which begins in early September and typically lasts until mid-October.

During this time, male spiders venture indoors in search of females, who remain stationary throughout their lives.

There are more than 650 spider species in the UK, but only 12 are considered potentially harmful to humans.

Common visitors during mating season include money spiders, cellar spiders, lace web spiders, and house spiders, the latter being among the largest in the UK.

Male house spiders can reach up to 10cm across the leg span, although size varies depending on how much they have eaten.

While all UK spiders are capable of biting, most are harmless to humans.

After mating, the male spider typically dies, while the female lays eggs.

Sightings tend to decrease after mid-October.

How can I keep spiders out?

If you are keen to keep the eight-legged creatures out of your home, there are a few things you can try to deter them from creeping inside.

Avoid clutter

Spiders love seeking refuge in dark, damp and cluttered places, so ensuring your house is kept clean can keep them away.

Be sure to vacuum and dust regularly, and store things away in plastic-lid boxes rather than cardboard, to prevent the critters gaining access.

Let natural light in

Avoid leaving the blinds or curtains closed during the day, or for prolonged periods when you are away from home as spiders love the dark.

Use essential oils

Spiders ‘smell’ with their legs, so strong scents will deter them from leaving their nooks and crannies.

Tea tree, rose, cinnamon, citrus, peppermint, citronella, lavender and eucalyptus are good oils to try – make sure you spray corners, window sills and skirting boards, and replenish regularly.

Draw some chalk lines

Spiders taste with their feet and they don’t like chalk, so drawing a line around window sills, your bed, or doorways, will deter them from crossing.

Seal any cracks

Seal up any little cracks in walls, floors and ceilings that spiders could use for access.

Keep foliage away from your house

Avoid allowing plants to grow too close to your home to creep as spiders will hide away in them.

Leaf litter and accumulating wood piles also make for great spider hiding places, so be sure to keep your outdoor space tidy.

Don’t use conkers

There is no evidence that conkers are effective at keeping spiders out.

Other strong aromas are likely to work better, such as garlic or vinegar.