Spiders will stay away from your car and home with natural product they 'don't like'

Spider season is back with a bang, with many arachnophobes walking on eggshells over the increased risk of the creatures making their way into their homes and vehicles but one simple product could keep them away

Spider season is upon us once more, with millions of arachnids set to take over the UK as their mating season peaks.

For those who find eight-legged creatures terrifying, it can be a nerve-racking time of year - especially as it's not just our homes that are subject to an appearance from the unwanted intruders, but also our vehicles. Fear isn't rational and some drivers could put themselves - and others - at risk of injury or accident if a spider made itself known while they were on the road. Such was the case for model and influencer Tennessee Thresher, who recently had to pull over on the motorway after clapping eyes on a creepy crawly.

Taking to Snapchat, the beauty shared footage of herself screaming and told her 250K followers she was “petrified” after seeing a spider in her car. She made sure to pull over to regain her composure.

Drivers are at risk of a fine if they have an erratic or otherwise dangerous reaction while in their car. Motoring experts from Nationwide Vehicle Contracts state: "Spiders are an inconvenience for drivers, especially for drivers with severe phobias. However, it is paramount to ensure safety on the roads for yourself and others around you while driving.

"Drivers can be fined up to £2,500 for reckless driving and up to nine penalty points, so it is paramount for drivers not to overreact and not to allow spiders - or any other insects - to impact their safety on the roads."

If you're worried about a similarly panicked reaction should an arachnid wander into your vehicle, there are options to help mitigate the risk. Keith Hawes, director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, has unveiled three simple tips which could help keep them away:

Don't leave food in your vehicle

Leaving food in your car can attract insects and unwanted spiders to your vehicle. Keeping your car clean will help reduce the chances of spiders being drawn to your vehicle.

Make sure all food and drink products in your car are sealed, and don’t leave them in your car for long periods to further minimise the risk of spiders in your car.

Regularly inspect your vehicle

Be sure to check your car for spiders, especially crevices and hidden areas. Under child seats, beneath the sun visor, and under seat belts are common places where spiders may hide.

Make it a habit to check your vehicle and remove insects to minimise the risk of spiders reproducing or festering.

Use citrus products

And finally, using citrus products inside your vehicle - like an air freshener - will deter spiders away as they don't like the smell of citrus fruits.

Rubbing lemon peels around your vehicle's doors and windows can also help solve the issue of unwanted insects inside your vehicle.