September and October are peak months for spiders in the home - otherwise known as ‘spider season’ by pest controllers.
These small creatures can send shivers down the spine of some people - particularly those with arachnophobia. Around five percent of the global population have a clinical diagnosis of arachnophobia and surveys in the UK suggest that 35 to 50% of the population, particularly women, report some level of fear when dealing with spiders.
There are around 600 species of spiders in the UK. The ones that enter your home are normally the Giant House Spider or the European Garden Spider. Some will be ‘money spiders’ (family Linyphiidae) and folklore dictates that, if one lands on you, you will soon come into financial good fortune.
Some species, such as false widow spiders (Steatoda), will bite if roughly handled or trapped against your skin although they are not aggressive. The pain from the bite is similar to a wasp or bee sting. Bites can be itchy; try to avoid scratching as this may transfer bacteria into the bite wounds and lead to inflammation.
Spiders are very useful for catching flies and it’s always preferable to try to discourage them and put them outside, rather than killing the insects.
Can a natural spice hack repel spiders?
Some people are discovering DIY hacks to try to keep the creepy crawlies out of their homes. The simple practice of putting out popular spices such as cinnamon, star anise and cloves is thought to repel spiders and other unwelcome bugs such as flies.
Cinnamon acts as a natural defence against spiders as well as other pests such as ants, fruit flies and silverfish as its strong scent disrupts navigation and sensory receptors. Spiders specifically are highly sensitive to strong, pungent scents.
They use their legs to navigate, taste and smell, so when they encounter powerful smells it can obscure their senses, therefore deterring them from entering the area.
However, cinnamon is only effective for the time its scent is strong, so this quick fix is temporary. The strong smell of cinnamon comes from the compound cinnamaldehyde. Whether you are using cinnamon sticks or essential oil sprays, this compound evaporates into the air and, once the scent is gone, they no longer act as a deterrent - you just have a random stick of cinnamon sat on your windowsill. Dust and draughts can also rapidly dilute the aroma, again making spices ineffective.
Cleankill Technical Manager Chris Davis explains:
“Although it is widely known that spices can be moderately effective as a short-term and gentle deterrent for some pests it is by no means a permanent solution.
“Primarily the main fault in using spices during this time of year, as we enter the colder months, is that if a spider is highly motivated to find shelter they’ll simply find a gap where the scent hasn’t reached or wait till the scent weakens.
“The only way to effectively keep out spiders is to block entry points to the premises: cracks around window frames, baseboards and gaps beneath exterior doors. Also cutting back tree branches, shrubs and ivy from outer walls will help prevent spiders using outdoor foliage to access your premises.
“In addition, simple habits like turning off bright outdoor lights, or switching to yellow-toned LED bulbs, to avoid attracting flying insects that spiders feed on is another practical tip to help keep spiders away.”
When should you seek professional advice?
Most spiders are harmless, so if they aren’t causing any issues the best advice is to leave them be.
However, if you have a fear of spiders, or they are causing issues, you should contact a BPCA registered professional pest controller. With appropriate equipment and specialist insecticides, they will offer an appropriate solution.
If you are experiencing issues with spiders or other pests at your premises, Cleankill can help. Arrange a free survey or call 020 8668 5477.
Related advice: The five pests that become more active in autumn