Summer isn't always a fun time of year for people who are scared of spiders.
Not only does the heat draw them into the house, but our need for any source of cool air leads us to open all the doors and windows, leaving an open invitation to our arachnid enemies.
But we’ve found a trick that might put an end to everyone’s arachnophobic woes.
The humble essential oil could in fact be our saviour. Turns out they’re good for more than just bedtime relaxation and nourishing our brittle split ends.
Indigestion-busting peppermint oil comes out top for repelling ants and spiders too.
All you need to do is mix up a few drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle with some water and spray it around your house to fend off the spiders.
Make sure you give the place a once over with the hoover first, and then spray the concoction in any cracks and crevices where you think the spiders could be getting in, as well your bathtub and shower and around any doorframes and windows.
It’s not a science-approved method so there’s no guarantee on how it works best, a bit of trial and error will have to do the trick.
Start off with about five drops in a 16-ounce spray bottle filled with water and spray it once a week. If it doesn’t work or your eight-legged friends keep coming back to visit, up the frequency to every few days and maybe add another drop or two of oil to the bottle.
Just don’t go overboard or your house might end up smelling like a dentist’s office.
You could also try strategically decorating the house with peppermint plants or sprinkling the leaves of the plant around. Pop a few outside your doors too to keep entrances spider free.
If you don’t fancy turning your house into the inside of a Colgate tube, there are other essential oils you could try.
Citrus and citronella oils could work against the creepy crawlies, and lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree oils can also be effective.
Added bonus – while most commercial insect repellents will brutally attack the bugs’ nervous systems leading to their death, this natural alternative simply drives them away back out into nature.
They’re also much safer for humans too, so you can protect the family from chemical fumes.
Now away with the spiders!
