As temperatures begin to drop and autumn sets in, households across the UK are looking for ways to keep spiders at bay from their outdoor spaces. A garden expert has shared six tips to help families spider-proof their gardens this season. With the onset of autumn, spiders become more active by either moving indoors or constructing webs outside in preparation for winter. The decreasing temperatures signal the arrival of winter, motivating spiders to secure food sources and safe shelters. During this time, male spiders often leave their outdoor webs to find mates, while female spiders seek sheltered areas to lay eggs.
This increased spider activity can cause them to venture inside homes for warmth and safety or create webs in more sheltered spots like sheds, greenhouses, and under leaves. Although most garden spiders are harmless and beneficial for controlling pests, some people, especially those with arachnophobia, may wish to deter spiders to maintain a spider-free living space outdoors. Chris Bonnett from GardeningExpress.co.uk advised on a balanced approach to managing spiders. While spiders play a role in pest control by preying on insects like aphids, flies, and mosquitoes, their webs can be unsightly and discomforting to some.
To naturally deter spiders, it is recommended to maintain a tidy garden, eliminate clutter where spiders may hide, and utilise plants or essential oils such as peppermint and lavender, which are known to repel them. Additionally, regular garden upkeep such as keeping bushes and plants trimmed, clearing nesting areas like piles of wood or leaves, and reducing tall grass can discourage spiders from settling in these areas. Natural spider deterrents like essential oils mixed with water and citrus scents can be sprayed in spider-prone areas to keep them away in a chemical-free manner.
Moreover, reducing outdoor lighting to diminish the spider’s food supply, sealing cracks or gaps in homes and garden structures, planting spider-repellent plants like lavender and mint, and encouraging natural predators like birds and hedgehogs can help control the spider population in gardens. By following these tips, households can effectively spider-proof their gardens this autumn and create a comfortable outdoor living space for all.