How to get rid of spiders as spider season starts

Many of us enjoy having house guests, the thrill of hosting and spending time with loved ones is something that we all can look forward to as the year goes on and the seasons start to change. However, autumn can also see another guest head for our homes – spiders.

Spider mating season, which begins in late summer, sees UK spiders head inside our homes to find a mate. And while spiders in the UK are harmless the majority of the time, they’re not anyone’s first choice of house guest. 

As such, our flooring experts at Online Carpets have revealed how to keep spiders away from your home, including natural ways to repel them from hotspot areas. 

When is spider season?

Every autumn, we all find ourselves asking, “Why are there so many spiders in my house?”

Well, spider mating season, which used to start in September, has started coming earlier and earlier due to weather changes in the UK, meaning many are seeing spiders in their homes now. 

You may be wondering, “but why do spiders come in the house?” Well, in mating season, male spiders are driven to the warmth of our homes to find a female mate. And unfortunately, yes, that probably means there are female spiders tucked away in your home now. 

Spiders love moist environments, and so they will likely be heading into any rooms with hot water and appliances, which means you’re more likely to find spiders in kitchens and bathrooms. 

And when does spider season end? Luckily, spider mating season only lasts through September and October, so after Halloween you should be free from any creepy crawlies. 

Although there is no way to fully spider-proof your home, there are some natural remedies you can use to keep spiders away as mating season approaches. 

Getting rid of spiders? Block any gaps in your home

The first step when looking at how to get rid of spiders in the house is to seal their entryways. Block any gaps in walls and pipes, and seal any cracks you have around your windows and doors to stop them from making their way in. 

Clean, clean, clean

You should then clean off any windowsills – especially any that already have cobwebs – as the dirt and build up can attract insects, and then, spiders. 

You can use a simple mix of white vinegar and warm water to spray over your windows and windowsills to leave them sparkling ahead of spider mating season. 

You will also want to do regular cleaning inside your home. Spiders love hiding – so it’s key to keep tidying and decluttering to remove their hiding places. 

Make sure you dust and vacuum regularly if you spot any spiderwebs. 

It’s also important to keep your bin closed, away from windows, and regularly cleaned. Flies love our bins, and if you’re attracting flies, you’ll probably attract some spiders too. 

Do conkers keep spiders away?

It’s been commonly said that placing conkers around your home is the best way to get rid of spiders. Sadly, scattering chestnuts around your home seems to just be an old wives’ tale with no scientific backing. However, there are some more proven techniques you can use to deter spiders from your home. 

What smells do spiders hate?

When it comes to tackling UK spider season, there are some smells that you can bring into your home to repel any spiders, and luckily, they smell quite nice for humans! 

Cinnamon

The perfect autumnal scent, spiders dislike the warm spice of cinnamon. Cinnamon comes in different forms, so you can either place cinnamon sticks around your home, or alternatively, opt for a scented candle to deter any spiders (and give your house a cosy, winter-y feel). 

Mint and lavender 

For some lighter smells, spiders also aren’t fans of lavender and peppermint scents. Grab some lavender or mint plants and pot these so they sit around your windowsill – not only will they spruce up the outdoors of your home, but they can stop spiders from making their way inside in the first place!

Lemon

Another great way to get rid of spiders is to look for citrus scents – namely, lemon. 

A cheap and easy solution, you can rub lemon peels over your windowsills, skirting boards or any shelves to deter spiders. Not only does the strong citrus smell keep any spiders away, but it will also leave your kitchen or bathroom smelling fresh. 

Essential oils 

If you’re looking for a particularly quick fix, you can easily make your own spider repellent by mixing around 20 drops of an essential oil with water in a spray bottle. You can choose from lemon, peppermint or lavender essential oils to give your home a lovely smell, and fend off any spiders at the same time. Spray the mixture in any corners or crevices where spiders are likely to be hiding.

You can also use essential oils when cleaning your kitchen or bathroom floors to have a harder-hitting effect against any house spiders. 

Create your own cleaning solution by mixing a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water, and then add a few drops of your chosen essential oil. You use this trick when it comes to how to clean vinyl flooring, or even any laminate that you may have in your kitchen or bathroom – perfect for the spider hotspots. 

We also have plenty of tips and tricks on how to clean laminate flooring if you need any further advice.