The nights are getting shorter and the leaves are starting to fall. That can only mean one thing - it's spider season again. As the summer draws to a close, our eight-legged friends will start to try to get into your home to find a mate.
Autumn is it is the time spiders reach maturity and leave their summer hiding spots, and although they are unlikely to harm any humans in the UK, it's fair to say they are not always welcome house guests. If you're not a fan of arachnids, you probably won't care that out of the 670 spider species found in the UK, only around a dozen bite - and they will only do so as a last resort and the bites are likely to case little or no reaction.
With 12,000 internet searches every month asking how to get rid of spiders in the home, it's clearly a hot topic - but one expert reckons she has the answer to get rid of spiders once and for all - and it can cost as little as £2.
Read more: Poundland confirms price change across UK stores
Founder of luxury bedroom brand French Bedroom Georgia Metcalfe, says using inexpensive peppermint oil in variety of ways will keep spiders out of your bedroom. Spiders are sensitive to strong smells which is thought to be why peppermint oil is an effective natural repellent.
“Worrying about spiders in our room can have a negative effect on our mindset, in turn reducing sleep and increasing stress levels. Following this tip will retain your bedroom as a peaceful sanctuary and prevent sleepless nights,” said Georgia. “I swear by these tips and recommend to anyone I know who has spider troubles. As they smell with their legs, pungent scents, essential oils and even lemon peel are great ways to keep spiders at bay for only a few pounds and without using chemicals.”
You can use peppermint oil in a variety of ways, including:
Make your own spider repellent spray
Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water and a dash of white vinegar in an empty spray bottle. Spritz this lightly onto the inside of curtains and corners of carpets but don't spray directly onto furniture to avoid damage. Re-spray every week for the smell to stay strong.
Add to washing
Add a few drops into your washing machine with fabric softener to slightly infuse your clothes and bed sheets. This is a great way to keep them out of your bed while also providing a soothing scent to help you sleep.
Soak items with it
Place a few drops of oil onto a cotton ball or soak some conkers and tuck them away in the corner of your chest of drawers or windowsills.
Use a diffuser
If you have an oil diffuser, use the oil to scent the room and deter spiders from entering.
Rub it into your drawers
Rub 2-3 drops of the oil onto the raw side of the wood of your bedroom furniture, preferably in a back corner. This will keep the spiders out while also making your clothes smell fresh.
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