The start of October is the worst time to be an arachnophobe, with more spiders coming inside in search of a mate.
If you are worried about spiders showing up in your home over the next few weeks, there are a few things you can do to put them off.
Many tips to repel spiders involve using plant oils or citrus peels, as spiders taste with their feet and cannot stand strong smells, meaning you can spray essential oils around windowsills and doorways to stop them from coming in.
But there is a more effective method you can try using an unusual household item.
Using cotton balls soaked in essential oils can be more effective than spraying them around your house. (Image: Getty)
Unusual household item you can use to repel spiders
Pest control experts at Sentinel Pest suggest using cotton wool balls soaked in essential oils rather than just spraying certain areas of your house.
Sentinel Pest said: “Use cotton balls.
“For a longer-lasting effect, soak cotton balls in essential oil and place them strategically in corners, closets, and behind furniture.
“This method helps maintain a consistent scent in targeted areas."
You should replace the cotton balls every two to three days or if their scent starts to fade at all.
You should make sure the cotton balls are placed out of reach of pets and children, as some essential oils can be harmful if ingested.
Things like peppermint oil, horse chestnut oil, lavender, basil, and thyme will all work when trying to repel spiders.
However, spiders can be beneficial to your home, as they kill flies, moths, silverfish, and other pests.
If you can bear them, it might be worth leaving them in the corners of your ceiling.
What else can I do to keep spiders out of my home?
There are several other ways you can keep spiders out of your home, like sealing any gaps around doors and windows.
It can also help to make sure your home is tidy, with food stored properly to keep insects out, which eliminates the food for spiders.
You should cut back any foliage near windows and store firewood away from your home, as it is a prime spot for spiders.
How are you keeping spiders away from your home this autumn? Let us know in the comments.