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Spider mating season awaits but techniques can keep out insects they want
Spider mating season awaits but techniques can keep out insects they want
Spiders mating season is just around the corner and a pest expert has shared simple tips to keep arachnids out of your home
One common mistake could be welcoming spiders into your home
(Image: Rupert Hitchcox Photography Limited via Getty Images)
Summer has arrived, and countless Brits are heading outside to enjoy some long-awaited sunshine. But soon, something more ominous might start creeping into your home.
Spiders. From darting across your bed at night, to lurking in room corners - these eight-legged creatures are now prepping for their mating season. In the UK, this generally kicks off from early September and lasts until mid-October.
So, if you're not a fan of these creepy crawlies, it's more important than ever to strengthen your home's defences against arachnids. And one pest control specialist might just have the very thing to help.
You might be surprised to learn that his advice mainly focuses on the lighting inside and outside your home. In essence, too much light could make the environment ideal for these eight-legged creatures to thrive.
Speaking with 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."
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Stewart's comments arrived as the 'fen raft spider' made a comeback in the UK last year, following a successful breeding project. These arachnids are said to be similar in size to rats, spinning webs that can span up to 25cm—equivalent to a pizza's diameter.
However, there's no need for excessive concern. Beyond dimming lights, several other strategies can help repel them.
Stewart also advocated sealing your windows and maintaining the home as spotlessly as possible, while other specialists suggest using various aromatic oils.
These encompass peppermint and chestnut products, which are often believed to ward off insects due to their potent scents. Spiders experience taste and smell through their legs, making a sharp dose of these oils quite overwhelming.
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."
Despite this, it's worth noting that it isn't suitable to use around pets, as the oil is toxic to dogs and cats.
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