Keep Spiders Away from the Home ‘for Good’ with Easy 14p Lemon Peel Method
As we head into autumn, not only does that mean temperatures will start to decrease, but certain unwanted guests may creep into your home. Spiders usually begin to head inside towards the end of August, with September being the most common time to spot them indoors. These arachnids are not only seeking drier, warmer conditions but also their mating season begins in September, meaning male spiders will come looking for females.
According to the RSPB, the UK is set to see more of a large species of spider called the fen raft spider. These spiders were almost extinct in Britain, but conservation efforts have seen their numbers increase this year. Additionally, giant false widow spiders are also expected to start coming into people’s homes in the coming weeks. Their bites are known to cause painful burns and swelling, leading to a fever.
If you are not a fan of the eight-legged creatures and want to take steps to spider-proof your home, there is a simple and cost-effective solution. Experts suggest that spiders do not like strong smells, including the smell of citrus fruits. For this reason, you could try an easy 14p hack using the leftover peel of a lemon or other citrus fruits you have at home.
House Beautiful explains: “Spiders dislike citrus fruits, including lemons, oranges and grapefruits. If you want to keep them out of your home, mix your leftover lemon, lime or orange peel with water to create a paste. Rub over your windowsill and say goodbye to the creepy crawlies for good.”
Mike Norton, trade and projects director at Magnet Trade, highlights the effectiveness of this method, stating: “This is one of the easiest and most effective tricks, costing around 14p compared to a £10 ready-made spider repellent. Rub lemon peels all over the windowsills or anywhere spiders tend to perch, such as on skirting boards and bookshelves. The strong citrus scent will repel them away and give your home a lovely fresh scent.”
In addition to citrus fruits, other strong-smelling plants such as basil, rosemary, lavender, mint, and chrysanthemums are also believed to deter spiders. By incorporating these natural remedies, you can create a more spider-free environment in your home for the upcoming season.