Kitchen counter error can attract spiders - but natural solution banishes them

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Keep spiders out of your kitchen for good! (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Keep spiders out of your kitchen for good! (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

No one likes to find a spider lurking in their home - not least in the kitchen amongst your food and utensils.

Around five in ten Britons (21 per cent) say they suffer from arachnophobia, the extreme or irrational fear of spiders. And there are a number of hacks that promise to banish them from the house.

When it comes to the kitchen, however, it's best to avoid using any chemical deterrents - and instead opt for a natural solution, as well as paying attention to your food habits.

While it may seem obvious, never leave food exposed on the counter - it's essential to store it properly in sealed containers or in the refrigerator. That can have a significant impact when it comes to dealing with various pests - and spiders are no different.

However, you might also want to explore additional spider control methods that won't harm them - and peppermint essential oil is your new best friend.

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This oil's scent is unpleasant to spiders, so much so that they will likely avoid entering your kitchen. Try spraying the oil in corners and entry points of your kitchen using a bottle, or place a few drops on cotton balls and position them in the same areas.

However, it's important to note that peppermint oil is toxic to pets, so ensure that any dogs or cats are kept out of the kitchen if you choose to use this method.

During the colder season, you'll often see spiders venturing into homes and settling in kitchens and bathrooms as they look for warmth.

"Like all species, spiders need water and moisture to survive. From sinks and dishwashers to the warmth given off by appliances, it's the kitchen and bathroom that create the perfect moist environment to draw them in," Mike Norton, Trade and Projects director at , previously explained.

He continued: "Although they are mostly harmless, we don't want crawlers contaminating our food or creeping up on us in the bathroom."

Another way to tackle the problem is to use apple cider vinegar and dish soap, according to the Express.

The vinegar should be used as a spray or can be poured directly over the eight-legged creatures to kill them. When combining the two items, you should mix one cup of water with one cup of apple cider vinegar, and add two drops of dish soap to the mix. Then, add it to an empty spray bottle and spray the liquid generously around your home.

Another expert also suggests rubbing lemon peel all over windowsills, skirting boards, and places spiders are inclined to perch on, as he explained that the citrus scent will "repel them away" whilst also making your home smell lovely and fresh. His other method includes sealing cracks to prevent spiders from entering your adobe.

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Gemma Strong

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