IT’S safe to say, spiders aren’t the most loved creepy crawlie you can find in your home.
Most of us will admit that spiders can send chills down our spines as we try to eradicate them.
2
And if you didn’t know, September brings the start of spider mating season.
During the autumn, male arachnids go on the prowl in search of a mate – meaning UK homes are set to be invaded by eight-legged friends this month.
So, if you’re looking to keep your house spider-free, there are plenty of spider-repelling plants that can help keep them away.
Online garden centre Primrose has revealed a list of houseplants that we all need, that naturally repel spiders without the need to spray nasty chemicals – and best of all? One plant costs just £2.30.
Evie Lane is a gardener and expert who pointed out that spiders do not like plants with strong smells. However, they should be pleasant to the nose.
She said: “The best preventative measure for spiders also starts outside of the home.
“By keeping the exterior of your home free of any debris and picking up any leaves and woodpiles, you’re clearing any potential hideouts for spiders.
“That means they won’t be lurking near your home come mating season.
“There’s many old-wives’ tales about how conkers can repel spiders – but many don’t know that a lot of fragrant plants can do just that.
“Most spider-deterring plants have a strong odour since aromatic plants are generally more effective at repelling insects – but they still smell great in your home too.”
Primrose has put together a list of plant recommendations for people who want to reduce the number and severity of spiders that they encounter in autumn.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm, often used for adding a citrusy edge to dishes, is a low-maintenance house plant that repels spiders and fruit flies.
The citrus smell repels spiders. Although it is pleasant to the nose, the scent acts as an insect repellent.
By taking a cutting of lemon balm, adding it to water and spraying the solution in any dark areas of your home, it’ll clear out any hiding spaces that spiders love to hide.
Basil
Basil is a perfect all-round plant for keeping intruders out of your home this season.
Basil oil has been shown to repel spiders as well as other bugs like summer houseflies, mosquitos, etc.
It can also be used to make a DIY bug-repellant spray if mixed with witch hazel – simply spray the mix onto a surface and give it a wipe down.
You can grow the herb in any part of your home as long as it has direct sunlight for at least 4 to 5 hours each day.
Lavender
The traditional purple perennial is an outdoor garden staple.
Its pleasant smell means it’s commonly used as an essential oil but lavender is also great at deterring arachnids.
If you’ve got lavender in your garden, take a cutting and tie a bunch together and hang in each room of your house.
The lavender will smell amazing and your eight-legged companions will be far away.
It sounds perfect, right?
Mint
Fresh mint leaves can also be used to deter spiders.
If you grow fresh mint in your kitchen, pluck a few leaves and add to a bottle topped with spray water and leave to absorb – by spraying this on the entry points to your home, any spiders hiding around windowsills and doorways will retreat rapidly.
You get an added bonus! It tastes delicious too!
Rosemary
Rosemary is faintly scented for the human nose but releases an intense odour to spiders.
Make sure you’re growing it indoors though – rosemary is less cold tolerant so will thrive in a standalone pot in a warmer environment.
Eucalyptus
The scent of eucalyptus is the driving factor that keeps arachnids out of your home.
You can place eucalyptus in your living room, bathroom and kitchen.
FABULOUS BINGO: GET A £5 FREE BONUS WITH NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED
You can also mix a few leaves with witch hazel and water and spray any areas that a spider could hide to prevent them from making webs in any discreet corners or cupboards.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemums contain pyrethrum, which is an ingredient often used in natural insect repellents.
Spiders don’t like it. But ants, ticks. spider mites. cockroaches. and fleas do.
Primrose warned that spiders can cause damage to the environment by eating pests such as caterpillars or aphids. Primrose also advised that you don’t kill them if you find them in your home.
You should consider getting some of these plants for your home so that you can help them.
2
Meanwhile, a horrified mum squeals in terror after spotting huge spider in her baby’s pram as he sits blissfully unaware in the front.
Also, Glasgow City Council share pic of HUGE spider with friendly advice – but not everyone is convinced.