
Stop spiders entering the home this mating season with two simple rules
Experts have advised Brits on the easiest ways to deter spiders from their homes ahead of mating season. Towards the end of August, many households will typically see more arachnids coming inside.
As temperatures start to cool at the end of summer, spiders will start to head into homes seeking drier and warmer conditions. It also marks the beginning of their mating season.
As a result, male spiders will start looking for females. Therefore, if you are not the biggest fan of the eight-legged creatures, it is worth taking some steps to spider-proof your home.
Luckily experts have revealed this can be simple and cheap to do.
Pest management professionals have encouraged people to follow two housekeeping principles to minimise the chances of discovering spiders indoors. By maintaining these practices, you'll eliminate some of the hiding areas favoured by spiders.
On its website, Pest UK advises people to:
Clear away clutter
Vacuum regularly
Clear away clutter
According to Pest UK, spiders prefer to hide out of view. The company states: "They love hiding in boxes and packages while they wait for their prey.
"Keep your home tidy and free of clutter that could encourage spiders to take residence."
Vacuum frequently
You should pay "special" attention to challenging areas behind furniture, in shadowy corners, and beneath settees where spiders prefer to conceal themselves. This guidance is backed by Country Living, which states: "Spiders like having somewhere to hide, so keep your house neat and tidy through regular tidying, cleaning and decluttering to prevent mess from building up.
"Plastic storage containers are better than cardboard boxes as they are harder for spiders to crawl into. Make sure to dust and vacuum frequently to rid your house of unwanted webs."
Other ways to repel spiders
You might also contemplate introducing the following plants into your home, which are recognised for their spider-deterrent properties:
Basil
Rosemary
Lavender
Mint
Chrysanthemum
Citronella
Introducing particular fragrances throughout your property can also prove effective. Examples include peppermint, tea tree, lavender, citrus (lemon, lime, orange), cinnamon, vinegar, and cedar.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


North Wales Live
7 hours ago
- North Wales Live
Gardeners asked to put one food out for birds that doesn't cost the earth
Brits are being urged to scatter pasta on their bird tables, in an effort to support our feathered friends during the crucial fledgling season. And it may be cheaper than you think. For many people the idea of providing food for birds can be intimidating as they may think it requires expensive, specialist mixtures from garden centres or DIY shops. They may also see it as a pastime reserved for those with extra cash to spend on feeding local wildlife. But the RSPCA assures us that anyone can contribute to bird feeding without spending a fortune on specialist food. All you need are some common, budget-friendly kitchen staples. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up. Besides rice, potatoes and cheese, cooked pasta can be served up on bird tables. But it's vital to remember that the pasta must be cooked, never raw, as uncooked pasta could pose a risk to birds, so ensure it's properly boiled beforehand. This is because raw pasta is hard for birds to digest. In some instances, it can cause bloating, discomfort, or even internal damage if it expands after being ingested. Many bird species are facing threats due to habitat loss, dwindling food sources like the decline in insect populations, as well as climate change and pollution, reports the Express. That's why we're being asked to lend a hand by supplying food for our avian neighbours, which will also help them in nourishing young fledglings this month. Fledglings are young birds that have just departed their nests. Their tender years mean they're still learning how to hunt for food, and they need plenty of nourishment to develop properly. Experts at the RSPCA recommend putting out fruit, seeds, unsalted chopped peanuts and food scraps for garden birds. The guidance states: "Birds love to eat: fruit - apples, pears and soft fruits; Suitable seeds and grains - like nyjer, millet, oats, and sunflower seeds; Peanuts - must be unsalted, fresh and that they don't contain aflatoxin (a poison caused by fungus mould). "Young chicks might choke on whole peanuts, so always put them in feeders with a smaller mesh; Food scraps - cooked pasta, rice and boiled potatoes or cheese and uncooked and unsalted bacon rind." The recommendations stress clearing away any remaining food each evening and keeping feeding areas clean at all times. This advice follows the RSPB's temporary removal of flat bird tables from their outlets whilst investigating potential disease spread risks associated with exposed food left on flat surfaces. The organisation now promotes regular cleaning of feeding stations and nesting boxes, along with swift removal of any uneaten provisions


Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Stop 'musty' smell from building up in washing machines with simple £1 solution
Nasty smells in the washing machine drum are one of the most common household complaints but there is a simple solution to stop the smell from building up If you've ever gone to hang the washing up and cringed at that acrid, musty odour wafting from the washing machine drum, you're certainly not alone. Foul smells in the washing machine are amongst the most common household issues, and countless people have no clue where the stench is originating from. Professional plumber James Clarkson, who has worked on residential and commercial plumbing systems across the UK for over 15 years, said: "The smell usually comes from trapped detergent residue, fabric softener, and lint mixing with warm, damp conditions. "This creates the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria. Once that builds up behind the drum or in the rubber seal, the machine can quickly start smelling." Stop spiders entering the home this mating season with two simple rules Brits told to put dishwasher tablets in microwave for 'game-changing' reason If you want to get your washing machine spotlessly clean, and prevent that revolting smell from developing there is a straightforward and incredibly affordable solution. The expert recommends a simple £1 household staple: bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), reports the Express. James said: "Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and mild abrasive. "When you run it through the machine, it helps break down soap scum and neutralises odours without damaging the drum or pipes. Most households already have a box in the kitchen cupboard, and it costs about a pound." How to clean your washing machine with baking soda Add half a cup of baking soda directly into the drum. Run an empty hot wash cycle (60°C or higher). For extra freshness, add a splash of white vinegar in the detergent drawer to cut through limescale. This simple routine can be repeated once a month to keep odours at bay. It's also crucial to maintain regular upkeep of your machine to prevent odours accumulating. A simple way to keep stenches at bay is to ensure you ventilate your washing machine properly. Avoid leaving damp laundry in the machine for extended periods, and ensure to leave the door slightly ajar after each wash to allow the drum to dry out.


Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Daily Record
Stop spiders entering the home this mating season with two simple cleaning rules
The end of August marks the start of spider season in UK households. Brits have been advised on the simplest methods to keep spiders away from their homes before mating season begins. Approaching the final weeks of August, you might notice an increase in arachnids coming into your dwelling. When temperatures begin to drop at summer's end, spiders will venture indoors searching for drier, more comfortable surroundings. This period also signals the start of their breeding season, with male spiders beginning their hunt for potential mates. Consequently, if you're not particularly fond of these eight-legged visitors, it's worthwhile implementing measures to spider-proof your property. Fortunately, specialists have disclosed that this can be straightforward and inexpensive to achieve. As reported by The Mirror, pest control experts have urged residents to adopt two cleaning principles to reduce the likelihood of finding spiders inside their homes. Through maintaining these habits, you'll remove some of the concealment spots that spiders favour. Clear away clutter According to Pest UK, spiders favour hiding away from sight. The firm explains: "They love hiding in boxes and packages while they wait for their prey. Keep your home tidy and free of clutter that could encourage spiders to take residence." Vacuum regularly You should give "special" attention to tricky spots behind furniture, in dark corners, and under sofas where spiders tend to hide themselves. This advice is supported by Country Living, which explains: "Spiders like having somewhere to hide, so keep your house neat and tidy through regular tidying, cleaning and decluttering to prevent mess from building up. "Plastic storage containers are better than cardboard boxes as they are harder for spiders to crawl into. Make sure to dust and vacuum frequently to rid your house of unwanted webs." Other methods to deter spiders You could also consider adding the following plants to your home, which are known for their spider-repelling qualities: Basil Rosemary Lavender Mint Chrysanthemum Citronella Using certain scents around your home can also be highly effective. These include peppermint, tea tree, lavender, citrus (lemon, lime, orange), cinnamon, vinegar, and cedar.