YOU may have noticed more spiders in your home over the past couple of weeks.
Mating season for the creepy crawlies usually begins in early September and runs through until mid-October – and they often seek shelter indoors where it’s warmer.
Landscaping expert Andy McLaughlin has revealed tips to keep spiders away[/caption]
In fact, the average household is likely to have around 40 spiders hidden within it around this time of year.
To keep them out of your home, landscaping expert Andy McLaughlin insists you must spider-proof your garden first.
Andy, of RF Paving, has shared his three key tips for keeping spiders at bay in your outdoor space.
He says: “The key to repelling spiders in your home starts in the garden.
“If you create an outdoor space that’s unappealing to them with nowhere to hide or nest, they’re more likely to look elsewhere.
“Of course, you can adopt methods within the home to help make it a spider-free zone, but tackling the issue at the source means you can relax with the reassurance that any creepy crawlies steer clear of your indoor space.”
Invest in raised beds and ‘repelling’ plants
Andy says planting the right foliage in your garden can help deter spiders, as particular scents can act as repellents.
He adds: “Plants such as basil, rosemary, and thyme have strong scents and create an unpleasant environment for spiders, as the essential oils are overpowering.
“For extra security, plants should be placed close to entryways to prevent them from slipping through doors and windows.
“Also, investing in wood sleepers to construct raised beds not only creates an appealing landscaping feature for your garden but also protects your plants against outdoor pests such as slugs and prevents the spread of weeds from surrounding areas.”
Tidy up regularly and store away furniture in winter
It’s no secret that spiders like to hide in hidden corners and crevices.
“But if you don’t give them anywhere to hide, they’ll head elsewhere”, Andy insists.
“If you have any outdoor furniture or features such as firepits, make sure to regularly sweep up and move things around. This will disturb any spiders and encourage them to move elsewhere.
“In winter, or when you’re not using your outdoor furniture frequently, store it away if possible. This ensures your furniture isn’t left sitting as a shelter over autumn, and also prevents it from any weather damage over the season.”
Gardeners are also urged to avoid the likes of gravel and granite which can provide the perfect hiding space for spiders with shelter and warmth.
Use your paving as the repellent
With the right methods, you could use your garden paving cleaner as a spider repellent, according to Andy.
He says: “Vinegar is not only an affordable kitchen staple, but also a powerful patio cleaner.
“A balanced mixture of white vinegar and water is an effective method for cleaning your patio slabs, and the acetic acid composition in white vinegar makes it especially effective at removing moss from paving slabs.
“Spiders dislike the pungent odour of vinegar, so they will steer clear of any treated areas.”
You should allow the solution to sit on the paving slabs for 30 minutes to an hour, and then gently scrub the patio to work in the solution.
The diluted mixture can also be sprayed in any potential hiding spots, such as cracks, corners and outdoor furniture.
