A £2 home remedy could help keep spiders at bay this autumn.
With "spider season" in September as the weather cools, homes across the UK are likely to see an increase in eight-legged visitors seeking warmth and shelter.
Male spiders are especially active at this time of year, venturing across floors and walls in search of a mate.
People urged to use essential oils to keep spiders away from homes
Benjamin Borseth, managing director at natural skincare company Aromantic, said: "Essential oils can be a useful option for people looking for a more natural way to discourage spiders from appearing in certain areas of the home.
"Spiders rely on their sensory systems to navigate their surroundings, and strong botanical aromas can make particular areas less appealing.
"Peppermint is particularly popular because of its intense, distinctive fragrance, while oils such as eucalyptus and citrus can also be incorporated into natural deterrent approaches."
Essential oils are often suggested as a natural way to deter spiders, with peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, and citrus oils among the most commonly recommended.
They can be bought for as little as £2 and can be re-used.
However, Mr Borseth said homeowners often make the mistake of applying deterrents only after spotting spiders.
He said: "By the time you start noticing spiders around the home, they may have already set up their hiding places.
"Rather than only applying a deterrent when a spider appears, it can be more effective to think about prevention.
"Windowsills and doorways are good places to focus on because they can provide easy access into the home.
"You can also consider areas such as skirting boards, corners, garages and sheds where spiders are more likely to settle."
Mr Borseth also emphasised the importance of consistency and urged Brits to consider safety.
He said: "Consistency is important when using scented deterrents because their aroma will naturally fade over time.
"Reapplying regularly, particularly around potential entry points, can help maintain the scent.
"Essential oils should always be used appropriately.
"They should not be applied directly to spiders, and homeowners should take care around pets, children and sensitive surfaces."
Mr Borseth also warned that essential oils are not a foolproof solution.
He said: "Essential oils can form part of a wider approach to reducing spiders around the home, but they shouldn't be viewed as a guaranteed solution.
"Keeping rooms tidy, removing webs, sealing obvious gaps and reducing clutter can all help make the home less attractive to spiders."
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What is the lifespan of a house spider?
Most UK spiders live for around a year, but the females of some species can live for up to two or three years, especially if they live indoors, according to the Woodland Trust.
They add that while all spiders have fangs, the fangs of most UK spiders aren't strong enough to break the skin.
And the ones that might bite would only bite if they feel threatened, with bites not typically dangerous and would only be red and itchy for a day or two.
Do you have a method to keep spiders away from your home? Let us know in the comments.
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