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13 ways to spider-proof your home for good amid autumn invasion – from eating oranges to washing your windows
NOBODY likes to find spiders lurking in their home - but the eight-legged critters always seem to find a way to creep in.
And cold weather can make them even more likely to scuttle inside.
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To avoid having to squeamishly grab and throw the insects out of the nearest window, you can take some simple precautions to stop them sneaking in your house in the first place.
Your home serves as a warm, dry place, ideal for the creepy-crawlies to seek comfort - and there's a surprising number of different species of them in Britain.
Not only can they shelter from the rain and harsh conditions, they are often undisturbed if they can settle in a dark corner of your house.
The autumn seems to be the time of year that the critters infiltrate your home.
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But thankfully, lighting some candles and de-cluttering could be all it takes to rid the beasties.
Arachnophobes, thank us later - here are 13 proven ways to spider-proof your home...
1. Get minty
Spiders hate peppermint oil, so an easy way of keeping them away is to dilute some in water and spray it around your home.
If you're feeling lazy, you can also buy ready-made diffusers or scented products to work as a repellent.
2. Spider-repelling spray
Similar to peppermint oil, an apple cider vinegar solution may also work to ward off the critters.
Mix a cup of the acidic liquid, a teaspoon of oil, a handful of ground pepper and a teaspoon of washing up liquid and spray it in your bathroom and along windows and doors.
This should deter the pesky bugs from entering your home.
3. Entice ladybirds
Ladybirds are great for getting rid of spiders as the little creatures eat nearly 50 bugs a day.
By planting ladybird-attracting plants, such as dill, fennel and marigolds, near to the perimeter of your house you can naturally keep spiders at bay.
4. Remove webs
It may sound simple, but regularly checking for webs and removing them is the easiest way to stop spiders lurking and reproducing around the house.
The easiest way to carry out this task is by using a vacuum cleaner, a soft duster and wiping down your windows and frames.
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5. Get a pet
Pets are the perfect antidote to pests around the house.
Animals, and particularly cats, chase anything that moves and will fight off those unwanted bugs before you notice they are there.
6. De-clutter
Spiders love nooks and crannies they can hide in.
Having too much clutter in provides the critters with plenty of spots to seek refuge in.
7. Eat oranges and lemons
The eight-legged beasts hate citrus smells, so keeping these fruits around the house and eating them regularly can deter them from sticking around.
8. Wash windows
Cleaning windows with ammonia and water helps to prevent the creatures from getting inside.
When the windows dry, go over the whole thing with newspaper and kerosene – the kerosene evaporates immediately but leaves a repellent for spiders, flies and mosquitos.
9. Use Eucalyptus
Another scent spiders avoid is eucalyptus, so dot the plant around your bathroom and in wardrobes to deter them from creeping in.
This should keep them away and also leave the house smelling fresh and clean.
If you want to kick things up a notch, why not try planting a eucalyptus tree in your garden.
10. Limit lighting
Spiders, like many bugs, are attracted to light.
Keep house lighting at a minimum and turn off lights when you leave the house.
You will save on your electricity bill at the same time as curbing infestations.
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11. Cinnamon candles
Investing in a cinnamon candle is a great way to keep the critters away.
Cinnamon is another scent spiders can’t stand, and wafting it throughout your house should prevent any from settling in.
12. Fill in the cracks
Brits that have plant-life that extends onto their property are creating the perfect environment for bugs.
If you have an aversion to the eight-legged kind, make sure you seal in any nooks and crannies with caulk to prevent them crawling in.
Covering vents with mesh netting can also keep the critters at bay.
13. Check the exterior of your home
As well as ensuring that there's no clutter in your house, reducing the number of sheltering sites outside your property may also deter the critters.
Ensuring that there aren't any firewood piles, garden bags and compost heaps in close proximity to your home can help to reduce the number of bugs that crawl inside.
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