Spider mating season on the way and there's one simple method to keep them out
Summer is here and Brits are flocking outdoors to soak up the sun. But as we enjoy the warm weather, an unwelcome guest might be preparing to invade our homes.
Spiders. These eight-legged critters are gearing up for their mating season, which typically begins in early September and lasts until mid-October in the UK.
If you're not a fan of these creepy crawlies, it's more crucial than ever to bolster your home 's defences against them. And a pest control expert may have just the solution.
Surprisingly, his advice centres around the lighting in and around your home. Too much light could create the perfect environment for these invaders.
Talking to The Sun last year, John Stewart, from the technical team at Pelsis UK, said: "While spiders themselves are not attracted to light sources, many of the insects they feed on are, which in turn draws them towards outdoor lighting.
"Reducing outdoor lighting, especially overnight, can help decrease the number of insects - and consequently spiders - around your home."
Stewart's advice comes as the 'fen raft spider' made a comeback in the UK in 2024, following a successful breeding project. These spiders are said to be similar in size to rats, spinning webs that can span up to 25 cm, equivalent to a pizza's diameter.
However, there's no need for excessive worry. Alongside dimming lights, several other strategies can help deter them. Stewart also recommended sealing your windows and keeping the home as clean as possible, while other specialists suggest using various aromatic oils.
These include peppermint and chestnut products, which are often thought to repel insects due to their strong scents. Spiders taste and smell through their legs, making a sharp dose of these oils quite overpowering.
In a previous Mirror article, experts at Magnet Trade also added: "Like all species, spiders need water and moisture to survive. From sinks and dishwashers to the warmth given off from appliances, it's the kitchen and bathroom that create the perfect moist environment to draw them in.
"Although they are mostly harmless, we don't want crawlers contaminating our food or creeping up on us in the bathroom [...] Using houseplants and natural tricks to do the work for you is not only cheaper, but the chemical-free method makes your home look and smell amazing."
However, it's worth bearing in mind that it isn't suitable to use around pets, as the oil is toxic to dogs and cats.
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