Simple 49p household item 'deters' spiders and pests from home during autumn

An expert has issued a list of four tips you can use to keep the bugs at bay before they enter your house

An expert has offered some straightforward and inexpensive advice on how to deter spiders and other pests from invading your home. With a variety of insects more active during the summer, leaving windows open for ventilation can inadvertently invite these unwelcome guests into your living space.

However, there are preventative measures you can take to keep these critters at bay. Nic Shacklock from Online-Bedrooms explains: "It can be really frustrating when bugs like moths and flies enter our home while the window is open and it's a nightmare trying to get them out."

"The good news is there are a few things you can do to prevent them from entering in the first place. The obvious answer is to insert a mesh window screen. If you don't want the extra headache, simple tricks like keeping the light off and filling the room with natural essential oils are great at deterring insects," the Express reports.

The expert shared his tips below:

1. Keep the light off

Those who want to keep their window open during the warmer nights without bugs entering should consider keeping their lights off. A lot of bugs, especially mosquitoes, are attracted to light and will follow where it is.

Households will have less chance of these pests entering their home if they get rid of any potential light for them to follow.

2. Lavender

According to Nic, lavender is a scent that will repel insects and he recommends households adding drops of lavender to water and spray around the house. He has also suggested purchasing a few small lavender plants and placing them around the house.

3. Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil is another “great and natural way to deter” pests like spiders, mosquitoes and moths and it will also “make your house smell lovely”. Nic advised: “Add some peppermint oil to water and mix together, then use a spray bottle to disperse the liquid around the house focusing on windows and doors as these pests can’t stand the stuff.”

The scent may also help prevent mice and rats from coming near your property. Peppermint oil can also be applied to cotton balls and placed in points of entry areas.

This essential oil can be purchased for less than £1 online at Amazon, with some selling it for as little as 49p.

4. Invest in mesh window screen

Other countries have built-in mesh window screens to stop flies from coming into their homes.

It's not common for houses in the UK to have this but these screens can be purchased and installed if necessary. Households can also get temporary ones that can be removed when the UK heads into the winter season.