10 ways to spider-proof your house
If you're not a fan of creepy crawlies...
As October approaches, you may have noticed a slight increase in creepy crawlies entering our homes.
If you're not a fan of having spiders around your house, we've got a few (humane!) ways of kindly removing them from your house...
1) Lemon peels
Spiders hate the smell of citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges. Rubbing some lemon peels along the window sills and door frames will put spiders off entering your room. Even using lemon-scented furniture polish can drive spiders away!
2) Peppermint Oil
This makes a surprisingly great, natural bug repellent. Not only do spiders hate it, but most other small bugs too. Dilute with some water, and spray everywhere you usually find spiders.
3) Keep your house clutter-free
Spiders are hunters, so they like to hide and wait in places that are out of sight. They will hide under boxes, and other objects that are left sitting there. Keep your home dust-free and keep your floor free from boxes and packages to avoid them spinning webs.
4) Conkers
Chestnuts are well know spider repellents, plus they making some great autumnal decoration in your home. Lay a row of them along window sills and skirting boards to stop spiders coming in.
5) Get a pet
Dogs and cats usually like to chase anything that moves, that includes spiders.
6) Close windows at night
Spiders are mostly nocturnal creatures. Keeping your windows open at night will encourage them to crawl in to hunt for food and mates. Keep windows and doors closed and well-sealed.
7) White vinegar
Keeping spiders away with vinegar is much like repelling them with peppermint oil. Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and water, and spray all the cracks and window sills around your home.
8) Limit lights
Spiders are drawn to light, and flies and moths are ideal spider prey, so turn outside lights off and don't have windows open when your room lights are on at night.
9) Remove webs
Do this regularly, remembering to check the corners of the ceiling and rooms.
10) Limit spider food
Clear away any dead flies, or other small crawling insects from your doorways and window sills.
Temps are set to drop again in the coming months so check out our top tips of how to make your home cosy.
10 top tips to keep your house warm as the cold weather creeps in:
1. Radiator Reflectors
If your radiator is joined to an outside wall, the heat can be lost to the outside. With a reflector installed behind the radiator, the panel helps retain the heat by reflecting it back into the room.
2. Tape up keyholes and catflaps
A lot of draught can be let in through small gaps around the house, so tape up those keyholes and loose-fitting pet flaps to check there is no breeze sneaking its way in.
3. Sofa Blanket
Introducing... the sblanket. For those evenings spent curled up on the sofa with a cuppa, having a blanket permanently on the sofa means that you won't have to get up five minutes later, realising you're cold and grabbing for the dressing gown!
4. Draught stoppers
The proper ones can be pretty pricey, but the classic sausage dog definitely does the trick for keeping the draft out between the door and the floor. You can also stuff a pair of tights with socks and pop it under the door if you're feeling DIY!
5. Hot drinks
Whether you're into your hot chocolate, your peppermint tea or your honey and lemon, a hot beverage warms you up a treat when the nights draw in.
6. Thick curtains
When it comes to curtains in winter, the thicker the better! And if you don't fancy splashing out on a new pair of curtains, you can line them yourself with fleece.
7. Let the daylight in
Even if you are using lovely thick, luscious new curtains, open them up during the day! Letting as much natural light (and therefore heat) in as possible is essential for homely heat retention.
8. Hot water bottle
They're as old as the hills, but nothing goes further than a warm water-filled bottle to tuck under your jumper while you're snuggling on the sofa.
9. It's all about LAYERS
When it comes to getting warm, layers are the key. So it's time to get the vest, the t-shirt, the long-sleeved shirt, the jumper, the scarf and the blanket out of the wardrobe. It does increase your washing loads a bit, though...
10. Get snug in a onesie
Probably one of the comfiest items in the world, and obviously also one of the most attractive! Onesies are a great thing to whack on at the end of the day – they're super comfy, and cover literally every part of you!