UK households urged to use £1 item to keep giant spiders out as mating season peaks

This week marks the rough peak of spider season as sightings usually hit their highest point of the year in mid to late September, as millions of Brits look to keep them away

Spider season is in full swing in the UK, with the eight-legged creatures making their presence known as they scurry into homes in search of a mate. As summer fades and spider mating season kicks into high gear, sightings typically reach their annual peak in mid to late September.

Social media and internet searches are abuzz with people seeking ways to rid their homes of these unwelcome guests. If you spot a spider on the move, it's likely a male, as they tend to roam while females stay put.

This roaming behaviour, particularly when males venture out in search of a female mate, often brings spiders to our attention as they leave their usual hiding spots within walls, cellars, and dark cupboards. Despite their harmless nature, millions in the UK harbour a fear of spiders and are desperate for ways to keep them at bay.

Some effective deterrents include chalk, lavender, mint, or eucalyptus, all of which spiders find unappealing. Lavender, often found growing in gardens, can be cut and sprinkled in key areas such as windowsills, near doors, and along dark skirting boards.

Fresh mint, available from supermarkets like Asda for just 65p, can also be scattered along windowsills and in dark corners where spiders may lurk, reports the Express.

Lemon/Citronella: These ingredients can be found in sprays available for purchase between £5 to £7. Alternatively, rubbing a slice of lemon on windowsills and along skirting boards can also deter spiders.

Removing webs: Regularly removing spider webs will discourage spiders from spinning their webs in the same spot, prompting them to relocate elsewhere.

Chalk: Spiders taste with their feet and are not fond of the taste of chalk. Drawing a line of chalk around your bed, window frames, and doorways can create a no-spider zone that they will avoid crossing.

Should you kill spiders?

While giant house spiders can bite, it's unlikely they would ever get close enough to do so as they tend to avoid humans.

It is recommended not to kill spiders as they play a beneficial role in the household by trapping and eliminating flies, ants, and other pests.

In addition to traditional methods like using a glass and a piece of paper, a 'spider grabber' can be used. These extendable arms equipped with light brushes can safely capture a spider at arm's length.

The spider can then be released out of the window unharmed. Spider grabbers can be purchased from Amazon for around £8-10.