Households urged to put lavender on windowsill in May

It’s usually a problem people associate with the end of summer and beginning of autumn, but this May households are being warned that spiders are returning to our homes yet again.

According to pest control service Contego Response, warm weather in spring brings a resurgence of spiders. It says: “As the days grow longer and temperatures begin to rise, many of us in the UK begin to notice an uptick in the number of house spiders scuttling across our floors and walls.”

It adds: ““During winter, many spiders enter a state of reduced activity or seek secluded spots to lay dormancy while it’s too cold to be outside. With the arrival of spring, they become more active, leading to increased encounters within your space.”

While spiders are thankfully mostly harmless in the UK, most of us still aren’t super keen on bumping into one when we’re trying to relax, and they seem to be bigger every year.

For spider fearing households, there is something you can do though.

According to Daniel Steward, managing director of Shield Pest Control, spiders really dislike lavender, both the cut flower and lavender infused essential oils.

He said: “Lavender’s aroma disrupts spiders’ ability to track scent trails, which they use for navigation and communication. This confusion makes it harder for spiders to find safe nesting locations, discouraging them from staying in the area.”

Instead of using fresh cut lavender, you can use a lavender Furthermore, some compounds in lavender oil have mild insect-repellent properties, adding to its effectiveness.

“Dilute lavender essential oil with water and use it as a spray around common spider entry points such as windows and door frames.

“You can also place dried lavender sachets inside wardrobes, drawers, or under furniture to create an ongoing scent barrier. Cotton balls soaked in lavender oil can be positioned strategically in spider-prone areas for additional protection. Refresh sachets and cotton balls regularly to maintain their potency and keep spiders at bay.”

Other deterrents which work to repel spiders include lemon peel, according to experts. Since spiders taste with their feet, they do not like sharp flavours like citrus, as well as lavender.