Autumn is here, which also means a certain creepy unwanted guest is making its way into homes…
With Google searches for ‘how to stop spiders coming into the house’ surging by 90% in the last seven days alone, it’s clear households across the nation are already experiencing the creepy crawly invasion.
But, what if I told you that one common habit is actually luring them in…
To help people get ahead of the season, Andrew White, home expert at Harbour Lifestyle, has revealed his top autumn home hacks to keep homes clean, organised and spider-free all season long:
Stop spiders from moving in!
Autumn is prime time for spiders hunting a warm hide out – and messy corners are their dream home.
“Spiders start seeking shelter indoors during the autumnal months, and clutter gives them plenty of warm and cosy hiding spots,”
Critters like spiders prefer to shelter on cluttered surfaces with folds or crevices, like piles of clothes, recycling, or books. They especially seek out textiles that are dark in colour – so your pile of autumn laundry is (unfortunately) their ideal nesting space.
To avoid a creepy crawly surprise, take the opportunity to declutter and tidy corners, cupboards, and storage areas, and remove clothes, shoes, or boxes that aren’t in regular use. Not only does this make your home feel more organised in preparation for the upcoming festive period, it also discourages creepy crawlies from setting up camp.
But, it’s not just bedrooms and offices that make great spider havens.
“When the wet and windy weather sets in, entryways are the first to suffer”, says Andrew. “Wet coats, muddy boots, and umbrellas pile up, and suddenly you’re tripping over clutter before you’ve even got through the door.”
The trick? A pre-autumn hallway reset.
To save yourself the stress, before autumn begins, take some time to prep your home’s entryway. Declutter summer items, and add storage baskets, coat hooks, and a sturdy doormat to help keep wet shoes and outerwear contained – preventing clutter and mud from spreading around the rest of the house.
No matter how frustrating, muddy floors are almost impossible to avoid in autumn, especially with pets or children. But, don’t make the rookie mistake of wiping it up straight away. Let it dry first – otherwise it will smear everywhere. Then, sweep it up, and mop or wipe the remnants for a sparkling finish.”
How to deter spiders
Want to ensure creepy crawlies dont make your house their home? Alongside decluttering, its a good idea to use a natural deterrent. Spiders dislike strong scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus – so a quick spritz of diluted essential oils around doorways, windowsills, and skirting boards can help keep them at bay – and make your home smell delicious in the process. Make sure to seal up any cracks or gaps where spiders might sneak in, especially around pipes, vents, and under doors.
