Households urged to scatter cinnamon on windowsills and in doorways

Households across the UK are being urged to scatter cinnamon on their windowsills and in doorways to help keep spiders out.

Spider season typically kicks off in the UK in early September, but the eight-legged creatures have already started appearing inside living rooms, hallways and bedrooms. The season can begin early when the summer is particularly dry and warm as the conditions are particularly favourable for spiders, so it can lead to increased sightings earlier than normal. Male spiders usually start heading indoors in August and September in search of a mate for winter, so arachnophobes could be in for a fright over the coming weeks.

There are more than 650 different species of spider in the UK - and all of them can bite, although only 12 can cause any harm to humans. If you spot one wandering about your home it's likely to be a house, money, cellar and lace web spider. False widows – which can grow to around 20mm – will also be heading into houses and while they aren’t dangerous, their bites can cause swelling and infection if left untreated.

Spiders find their way into homes through any openings they can find like windows, doors, cracks and faps, and they can also be brought in on things like plants or clothing brought in from outside. But if you aren’t a fan of the creepy crawlies, thankfully there are some simple and easy ways to keep them at bay.

Pest UK recommends filling any gas or cracks around your home, clear away any clutter, keep doors and windows closed, especially when the lights are on inside, and vacuum regularly.

In addition to these tasks, experts recommend sprinkling cinnamon around your windowsills and doorways as spiders don’t like strong smells, so this is an effective way to keep them out. Cinnamon contains cinnamaldehyde which irritates the sensitive hairs on spider’s legs and deters them from entering the area where the scent is present.

Experts at Sloane & Sons Tub Chairs explain: “Ground cinnamon has a scent that spiders hate, making it an effective deterrent. However, note that cinnamon-scented candles won’t serve the same purpose. Instead, opt for natural cinnamon sticks or quills typically used in cooking. Try the following techniques to keep spiders out:

“Place cinnamon sticks or quills in areas where spiders are frequently spotted. If spiders have taken refuge in door or window frames, use ground cinnamon and carefully sprinkle it into the gaps. Be cautious with white window frames as cinnamon may stain, particularly on the outside where it can get wet from rain. 

“The natural scent of the cinnamon sticks or quills will diminish after a few months, but replacing them immediately isn’t necessary. Monitor if spiders return, although they are less likely to do so during winter.”