Households across the UK are being urged to soak cloves of garlic in water in September and October to deter spiders.
Spider season is now officially underway and typically lasts until mid-October or early November, so there’s still a long way to go yet until the creates retreat into hiding for the winter. The eight-legged creepy crawlies can be spotted scurrying around homes at this time of the year as they come out in search of shelter and to find a mate. The most common spider you’re likely to come across is a house spider, which can have a leg span of up to 12cm, but lace web and cellar spiders can also be spotted, as well as false widows.
If you aren’t a fan of the creatures, there are some simple measures you can take to help keep them out. As well as shutting windows and doors, and sealing any cracks and gaps they can sneak through, experts recommend using garlic to deter them.
Spiders have a very sensitive sense of smell and dislike strong, pungent aromas, including garlic, so you can use this to your advantage.
According to pest experts, the best way to utilise garlic to deter spiders is by soaking some cloves in water to create a garlic spray, which can then be spritzed around your home.
It’s best to spray it in obvious entry points and areas where spiders are commonly seen like windowsills, around doorways, around bins and in the corners of rooms.
Experts at Daisie explain: “Garlic has a powerful and distinct smell that is quite repelling to spiders. Our eight-legged friends have a very keen sense of smell, and the strong scent of garlic can be overpowering to them. That’s why when they encounter the aroma of garlic, they prefer to scuttle away.
“Wondering how to use garlic to your advantage in the battle against spiders? Here are some simple steps: Make a garlic water spray: Crush a few cloves of garlic and mix them with water. Pour this solution into a spray bottle.
“Spray strategic areas: Spray this garlic water in corners, window sills, and other nooks and crannies where spiders might lurk. Just remember, the smell of garlic can be quite strong, so use it sparingly and wisely.”
It’s recommended that you use a garlic spray around once a week in your home to keep spiders out to avoid your home becoming too pungent.
When making the spray, it’s best to strain the liquid from crushed garlic cloves in a fine mesh strainer or a muslin cloth to remove any solid pieces, and allow the mixture to sit for a few hours or overnight to fully infuse into the water.
Experts at American Pest Pros add: “To utilise garlic in your fight against spiders, mince or crush four or five garlic bulbs and wrap it in a cloth.
“Squeeze it hard to get garlic juice and drop the entire cloth in a spray bottle. Spray around corners and baseboards once a week or as needed.”
