Spiders 'attracted' to five things in your home - how to keep them out this mating season
Towards the end of August and start of September you may notice more of these eight-legged creatures in your home.
As we come to the end of summer we start to spend more time indoors. However, as people retreat inside, so too will an unwelcome visitor that most households would rather avoid.
For those with arachnophobia, September represents the most challenging period of the year as spiders venture into homes seeking drier, more comfortable conditions.
This timing coincides with their breeding season, meaning male spiders will pursue females indoors.
Unfortunately, for anyone who despises these eight-legged visitors, there are particular everyday items found throughout the house that might be drawing them inside.
Specialists at Panther Pest Control identified five such factors that could trigger a spider invasion in your property.
These include:
- Insects
- Rubbish
- Fruit
- Water
- Good hiding places
Insects
Panther Pest Control explained: "Their food choices make them nature's best domestic pest controllers, as they feed on insects. Anything from drain flies through crickets and mosquitoes to fruit flies, cockroaches, earwigs or clothes moths is part of their menu."
It's worthwhile identifying what insects you currently have throughout the house and eliminating them where possible.
Rubbish
Household waste attracts other insects - essentially spiders' prey - into your property. "To minimise the chance of being infested by the arthropods, simply take care of the household rubbish," Panther Pest Control advises.
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Water
Certain spiders don't actually need water, but those that do will be drawn to moisture from kitchen taps or bathroom fixtures. Panther Pest Control said: "Just to be on the safe side avoid leaving any sources."
Fruit
"Fruits also attract spiders," Panther Pest Control said. "It's highly possible to spot a spider crawling out of a banana or grape and the worst thing is that usually venomous spiders hide inside fruits. Always take a close look at what you put in the shopping bag."
Ideal hiding spots
It's uncommon to encounter spiders in exposed locations. Panther Pest Control added: "They prefer corners, crevices, dark and less used spaces."
Removing any debris or mess can help diminish the number of concealment areas for spiders throughout your property. Regular hoovering in these zones can also prove beneficial.
