23-03-2025
I'm a garden expert - this simple light bulb swap could stop spiders
If the idea of insects, particularly spiders, invading your personal space is hard to stomach, there are several simple and cost-effective solutions you can try to keep them at bay. While most spiders in the UK pose no threat to humans, accumulating webs in your garden over time can spoil its aesthetic appeal.
However, these eight-legged creatures aren't just hanging around to check out your outdoor decor. In reality, they're more interested in the insects attracted by any lights, which serve as their primary food source. These insects are drawn to light sources, making them ideal spots for spiders to weave their traps.
You might find that a simple switch of lightbulbs could keep spiders at bay, especially when you're picking out new garden lights for spring that can't be swapped as easily. Jon Saeed, the managing director of said: "Switching to warmer white LED lights can also make a difference, as spiders and insects are more drawn to bright, cool white-toned lighting.
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"Opting for amber or yellow-hued lights instead of stark white or blue-toned bulbs could reduce the number of unwanted visitors. It's also important to keep your garden lights clean. Regularly wiping them down not only helps with maintenance but also removes any webs, discouraging spiders from returning."
If you're not spending time outdoors in the evenings, dim those lights a touch. The lack of light should send spiders and their insect meals looking elsewhere.
Jon advises keeping the vicinity around your garden lights neat and tidy. He explained: "A pile of leaves and debris can be the perfect hiding spot for spiders."
As we start to spend more time outdoors with the arrival of spring and summer, there are some other proven methods to deter spiders from encroaching on your space. Spiders don't pick up on smells like humans do, as they lack noses. Instead, they rely on sensory organs in their legs to detect smells in their environment.
These are highly sensitive organs, so any strong scent is usually enough to send them to another garden. Popular deterrents include citrus scents, lavender, rose, and eucalyptus.
This method of using scents to repel spiders is widely known and can also be used indoors to discourage spiders from venturing inside. But it can't hurt to try them outdoors—usually through sprays or with outdoor candles.
We should all refrain from harming spiders, as they're crucial to our garden ecosystems. Eliminating these natural predators may result in the swamping of other unwelcome insects.
