'Huge' spiders invade UK homes as Brits share spray they swear by to repel them

Spider season has Brits on high alert as the arachnid's mating period kicks off in September, hitting its stride in October. As temperatures drop, our homes become hotspots for these eight-legged visitors, with males embarking on a quest to find a mate.

For arachnophobes, this time of year is nothing short of terrifying, especially when considering the prolific egg-laying habits of spiders during the mating season. But fear not, there are tried and tested methods to keep these unwelcome guests at bay.

In a desperate plea for help on the Mrs Hinch Cleaning Tips Facebook group, a homeowner named Katie posted: "OK people, help me. HUGE spiders, how can I stop them coming into the house? " Her post was met with a flood of responses, warning that it's tough to keep spiders out during their mating frenzy unless she "blocked up every hole" in her abode. Yet, some members had tips they swear by.

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The battle against spider invasions has sparked a host of preventative tips, with one individual suggesting: "Spray WD40 around your window frames and doors. Stops all spiders, ants etc." Echoing this advice, another added: "WD40 around windows (not on glass. Don't need much, just a light spray. Keeps EVERYTHING out."

In the battle against eight-legged invaders, some swear by natural remedies. One person revealed: "I found that spraying eucalyptus or peppermint mixed with water around window and door frames have worked for me."

Echoing this sentiment, another added: "Peppermint they don't like the smell. Essential oil mix it with water put in spray bottle. Spray around windows and doors."

The age-old belief that conkers deter spiders is questioned by the Woodland Trust, which says: "The story goes that conkers contain a noxious chemical that repels spiders but no-one's ever been able to scientifically prove it. There's hearsay that if a spider gets close to a conker it will curl its legs up and die within one day." Those hoarding conkers in hope might find themselves let down, as there's no scientific backing for this myth.

Nonetheless, experts do agree on the effectiveness of strong scents. Evie Lane, a gardening guru at Primrose, suggests keeping basil, lavender, mint, rosemary and eucalyptus at home, noting their powerful fragrances are known spider deterrents.