As the autumn season approaches and temperatures begin to cool, households in the UK are being advised on natural methods to keep spiders away from their outdoor spaces. A gardening expert has shared six tips to help families spider-proof their gardens this autumn. With the onset of autumn, spiders become more active, either moving indoors or constructing webs in gardens to prepare for winter. The decreasing temperatures signal the impending arrival of winter, prompting spiders to secure food sources and safe habitats for survival. During this period, male spiders often abandon their outdoor webs to search for mates, while female spiders may seek sheltered locations to lay eggs.
This heightened spider activity can lead them to venture indoors in search of warmth and safety or to build webs in more protected areas of gardens like sheds, greenhouses, and under leaves. While most garden spiders are harmless and beneficial for pest control, some individuals, especially those with arachnophobia, may prefer to deter spiders. Besides causing discomfort, spiders can create unsightly webs around patios, doorways, and plants, affecting the aesthetic appeal of garden areas. Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk emphasised the importance of maintaining a balanced approach towards managing spiders in the garden. He highlighted the ecological benefits of garden spiders in controlling pests like aphids, flies, and mosquitoes, which can damage plants.
Despite their benefits, some may wish to prevent spiders from taking over their outdoor spaces. Bonnett suggested natural means of deterring spiders, such as keeping gardens tidy, reducing clutter where spiders can hide, and using plants or essential oils like peppermint or lavender, which naturally repel spiders. It’s essential to strike a balance between preserving the benefits of spiders in the garden and managing their presence to suit personal preferences. Additionally, maintaining order in the garden, clearing nesting areas like woodpiles and overgrown plants, trimming tall grass, and using natural spider deterrents like essential oils or citrus scents can help keep spiders at bay.
Reducing outdoor lighting that attracts insects – a food source for spiders, sealing cracks and gaps in structures to prevent spider entry, planting spider-repellent plants like lavender and mint, and encouraging natural predators like birds and hedgehogs can further aid in controlling spider populations. By incorporating these natural and non-invasive methods, households can enjoy a spider-free garden environment while respecting the ecological role that spiders play in maintaining garden health. As autumn progresses, implementing these tips can help create a harmonious balance between human comfort and biodiversity in outdoor spaces.