Expert says one household kitchen item will keep spiders out of your house

You may already have this item in your kitchen cupboard

Spider season is officially upon us as homes are invaded by eight-legged friends throughout the autumn-winter months. To help keep spiders at bay this spider season, Emily Green, home maintenance expert at Howarth Timber, has shared four simple solutions to make your home less inviting for the creepy crawlies including one item you may find already in your kitchen cupboard.

Households have been warned that large male spiders will descend on UK homes in search of mates as the temperature drops and the rain begins.

There are plenty of reasons your home may be overrun with spiders as September is the most common time of year for these house guests. But for many they are certainly unwanted.

Spiders like to settle in quiet areas where they won’t be disturbed, so are often found in window frames, on ceilings or in dark corners.

Here are four ways expert Emily Green recommends to prevent spiders from entering your home. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here

Wipe window frames and corners with diluted lemon juice

Citrus is a highly effective spider repellent, so consider wiping window frames and corners with diluted lemon juice, paying particular attention to potential entry points, as this will discourage spiders from venturing inside your home.

Create a chalk barrier around entry points

Another straightforward approach is to draw a thick, unbroken chalk barrier around areas where spiders might gain access. Spiders are reluctant to cross powdery, alkaline surfaces, meaning chalk can be applied around likely entry points such as windows and doors.

Vacuum corners and hidden spaces regularly

Regular hoovering is one of the most effective ways to stay on top of spiders throughout your home. Running the vacuum over corners, behind furniture and along ceilings helps eliminate webs and egg sacs before they have the chance to develop further.

Seal gaps around your home

Spiders possess small, flexible bodies that allow them to squeeze through the tiniest of gaps, so it is worth sealing any small openings around windows, doors and vents to block their route indoors. This will also prevent other insects, such as flies and ants, that spiders pursue inside for food, from entering.

Silicon caulk can be applied around window frames and doors, while rubber or silicon weatherstripping can be fitted beneath doors to close off any remaining gaps.