Spiders Creeping into Homes: It’s That Time of Year Again
It’s that time of the year when our homes seem to become the favorite hangout spot for some unexpected eight-legged guests. September marks the beginning of spider mating season, and it’s during this period that the male spiders bulk up and go on the hunt.
Not to worry if you’re not a fan of spiders – according to arachnologist Dr. Chris Terrell-Nield, we share our homes with about 12 of these critters at any given time. Most of the year, they stay hidden, thanks to their small size and quiet nature. But when autumn arrives, they become more conspicuous.
Dr. Chris, a lecturer at Nottingham Trent University, explains, “By this time of year, spiders are fully grown and mature, meaning their focus is on creating the next generation. Up until now, they will largely remain sedentary in hidden spots in the house. It’s the large male spiders that you see sprinting across your hearth or living room as they look for a mate. What scares most people is the unpredictability of the movement. They can be there one second and gone the next, leaving you wondering where the unwanted guest is in your house.”
If you want to keep these critters at bay, Dr. Chris has some tips and insights into common mistakes we make that allow spiders to sneak in.
Clever Scents
Spiders have a keen sense of smell and are sensitive to certain scents. Dr. Chris suggests using lavender, citrus scents, eucalyptus, or peppermint around openings to deter spiders from entering your home. Some even claim that Vick’s VapoRub, with its menthol scent, can help keep them away.
Ditch Your Fruit Bowl
Spiders are attracted to insects, and we often provide them with a buffet of insects when we leave food out. Fruit bowls attract flies, and drain flies are drawn to food washed down the sink. Storing food properly can limit their food source and make your home less spider-friendly.
Close Your Curtains
Closing your curtains at dusk can prevent insects that spiders feed on from coming into your home. Moths and flies are drawn to indoor lights, and spiders follow them for dinner. This also helps reduce the number of biting insects in your home.
Own a Pet
Pets like cats and dogs can be effective spider deterrents. Their movement and curiosity can discourage spiders from making your home their own. However, be cautious, as house spiders can bite, especially if provoked.
Create a Deterrent
If you don’t mind having spiders in your shed or garage, make those spaces more inviting for them. Leave their webs undisturbed, and consider buying an insect home for your garden, which can also attract and house spiders.
Clean Up
Regular cleaning can make your home less inviting to spiders. Removing cobwebs, dust, and debris reduces their food sources and disrupts their comfort. Cleaning also means fewer spider webs to catch your eye.
If you happen to catch a spider, release it some distance away from your home to prevent it from returning.
Delay Turning on Your Heating
Spiders seek warm, undisturbed places in winter. Delaying the use of heating can deter them from settling in your home. A colder environment makes them less likely to stay.
By following these tips, you can make your home a less inviting place for our eight-legged friends. Remember, spiders are essential creatures in our ecosystem, so if you can tolerate their presence in your garden or shed, you’re helping maintain the balance of nature.