Spiders - they're the uninvited house guests that many of us would rather not have around. If you're someone who has a serious fear of these eight-legged creatures, then the cooler months ahead might fill you with dread as spiders seek refuge from the harsh outdoors in our homes.
Despite their eerie appearance, spiders play an essential role in the natural ecosystem as predators. They feed on small insects, which often results in a bug-free home.
For this reason, people are often advised to overcome their fears and find alternative ways to deter spiders from areas where they might get squashed. There are a number of 'home hacks' that claim to keep these eight-legged creatures at bay, and most involve using strong smells as a defence mechanism.
There's a solid scientific reason for why this method is so effective, and it all boils down to how a spider's sense of smell operates. Adding another layer to their creepiness, spiders smell through sensory organs on their legs since they haven't got noses.
Maintaining a barrier of strong odours around common spider entry points can send these arachnids scurrying off to find another, less smelly home. Several substances work well for this purpose - and they don't smell unpleasant to us humans either - such as peppermint, citrus and lavender, reports the Mirror.
It's also well-known that spiders detest the smell of conkers. If the thought of clearing oranges from supermarket shelves, obtaining lavender sprigs from florists or gathering all the conkers from your local park doesn't appeal to you, there's an alternative solution that won't empty your wallet.
Checkatrade suggests a popular winter remedy could also double up as a spider deterrent. The site states: "The eucalyptus and menthol in Vicks VapoRub are also scents spiders hate. You can rub Vicks straight onto your chest, in the corners of your room, under your bed and around your windows and doors to reap the benefits of unblocked airways and a spider-free zone."
If spending £6 for a 100g tub of VapoRub in Boots seems excessive, you'll be glad to know that spiders don't really care about brand names - it's all about the aroma to them. So, for a more wallet-friendly option, you might consider Boots own-branded Vapor Rub.
A small 50g tub costs £1.99, but you could get a 10% discount if you use your Advantage Card at the checkout. This technique was detailed in a TikTok video by @plant. based.kate, who wanted a cruelty-free method to protect herself from uninvited eight-legged guests after using a Sainsbury's own-brand pot (which costs £1.35 for a 50g tub).
In the video, she explained: "If like me you're terrified of spiders - and it is the season for those big, thick spiders to try and come in the house - get some Vaporub or Olbasoil and pop up on your windowsills and door frames."
She further clarified that spiders detest encountering the substance with the "taste buds in their feet". The social media user expressed her hope that this "ethical" approach, which does not harm the spider, will encourage the creatures to return to the garden.
