UK experts reveal three effective methods to keep spiders out of your home this autumn

A spider's mating season usually begins in early September and runs through until mid-October, and they will often seek shelter in our homes where it's warmer.

As the evenings draw in and temperatures drop, the annual concern over 'spider season' troubles many UK homes. Brits are currently being offered sage advice on how to avoid unwelcome eight-legged houseguests this autumn.

The spider's mating period typically kicks off early September and lingers until mid-October, during which they often invade our homes in search of warmth. Surprisingly, an average household might be unwittingly playing host to about 40 spiders, a number that can significantly increase in older properties.

With a significant portion of the population, nearly one in four Britons, reporting arachnophobia, guiding hands from several experts offer a glimmer of hope, reports the Express. A group of specialists have come forward with essential guidance to prevent spiders from making themselves at home this season.

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An uncluttered and neat environment is your first line of defence

Founder of Living Things, Tasha Lewis, emphasizes that as spiders enter our abodes for sustenance and shelter. "Following a cleaning routine helps to keep bugs and insects out," she said.

Maintaining cleanliness both inside and outside your home proves to be one of the prime tactics to deter spider infestations. Indoor cleaning authority Nicola, also known under the moniker Essex House Dolly, recommends: "Keeping on top of your dusting, especially cleaning behind sofas, TV units and corners of your room will help deter spiders from spinning their webs."

This principle holds true for outdoor areas too. To give spiders the boot and deter them from setting up camp, it's recommended you keep your garden and patio spaces spick and span.

Conkers and chalk

Essex House Dolly shared her wisdom on the matter. She said: "There is the old wives tale of placing conkers in the corners of your rooms, but personally, I never found this effective."

She added another nifty trick: "On the other hand, a tip I recently learnt was using a piece of chalk and drawing a line on a surface. Spiders do not like the feel of chalk."

This clever chalk tactic can be used around various areas of your property. That included paving, driveways, and stone walkways.

Essential oils

According to Essex House Dolly: "You can make natural deterrents using citrus smells, as well as peppermint, lavender and eucalyptus to simply spray in these areas."

Not only will these scents send spiders scuttling away, but they'll also leave your surroundings smelling fantastic. Just a word to the wise - if applying oils to paved areas, dilute them first. This precaution helps to prevent stains or damage to the material due to the corrosive nature of some oils.

In the Garden

Meanwhile, gardening experts from GardeningExpress.co.uk have offered their advice on how to keep spiders out of your garden.

Dim the lights

Spiders are drawn to light as it attracts insects, which they feed on. By reducing or minimising garden lighting, particularly near doors and windows, you can decrease the spider's food supply and discourage them from settling in.

Create physical barriers.

Inspect the exterior of your home and garden sheds for any cracks, gaps, or holes. Seal these up to stop spiders from getting in.

Silicone sealant is an affordable and effective solution for this task, and fitting fine mesh over vents, windows, and door gaps can stop spiders from entering these areas.