Drivers told to use one scent in their car to stop unwanted visitors

As the weather gets colder, spiders will be looking for a warm place to set up home - and you don't want that to be in your car.

As autumn brings both the beauty of golden leaves and the unwelcome arrival of spiders into our homes, it's not just your home that can become a haven for these eight-legged guests – your car is equally at risk. Mating season sees spiders seeking shelter, and while they seem harmless, having one scuttle across the dashboard is far from ideal when you're driving.

To combat this, Bristol Street Motors experts suggest using strong-smelling scents to deter these arachnids, reports the Mirror. Racing driver Tom Chilton recommends peppermint as an effective repellent: "Strong-smelling scents repel spiders, so if you want your car smelling fresh, while also keeping arachnids from occupying it, then using peppermint scents is a great option."

He also suggests practical tips like keeping your vehicle clean and being selective about parking locations: "There are quick ways to do so like buying a scented air freshener, or you can go for a cheaper option of leaving peppermint-soaked cotton balls in the nooks and crannies of your car."

Additionally, Chilton advises clearing debris which can serve as spider hideouts and choosing parking spots wisely: "One of the easiest changes you can make to help reduce the risk of spiders getting in your car is being more thoughtful about where you park."

"If you can, avoid leaving your car near shrubbery – spiders tend to live in hedges and trees and will come down from these to look for somewhere warmer as winter comes. By parking in open areas, you reduce the chance of spiders falling into your vehicle."