With the approach of late summer and autumn, British households are likely to notice an increase in spider activity indoors. A home improvement specialist has shared an affordable and straightforward method to help deter these creatures from entering homes.
Helen Godsiff, brand manager at Eurocell, recommends mixing a small amount of peppermint oil with water and spraying it around window frames, doorways, and other common entry points. Known for its strong scent, peppermint oil is widely considered a natural repellent, though Godsiff emphasises that this approach serves as a deterrent rather than a guaranteed solution.
“Spider mating season is just around the corner, and many people find it unsettling to encounter unexpected eight-legged visitors inside their homes,” Godsiff explained.
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Warmer weather during the summer months tends to prolong spider activity, and open doors or windows provide easy access indoors. The Natural History Museum supports this, noting that house spiders are particularly visible between August and October when mature males leave their webs to seek mates. This increased movement leads to more frequent sightings of spiders inside homes during this period.
Spiders typically enter through open windows or cracks near doorways, but the museum reassures that most spiders found in UK homes are harmless to humans.
Eurocell also suggests other practical measures to reduce spider presence. One such method is soaking cotton wool pads in a mixture of two tablespoons of white vinegar and warm soapy water, then placing them near likely entry points such as window sills and door surrounds.
Minimising outdoor lighting is another recommendation, as lights attract insects that serve as spider food. Regular vacuuming of corners, spider webs, and behind furniture helps remove spiders and their webs. Placing conkers near window ledges and entrances is also advised as a traditional deterrent.
While peppermint oil spray is an easy and low-cost way to discourage spiders, it is important to recognise that spiders play a vital role as natural predators of insects. Their presence in the home is not necessarily a cause for concern or aggressive removal.