Spiders are not well-liked by everyone, because the crawling creatures make unpredictable movements and look bizarre. But there are reasons why the animals settle in the house. Even in this unnatural environment, they take on important tasks.
Spiders are reluctant to be seen indoors
deterrent measures
Oxford University researchers have studied how common home remedies work on three different species of spiders. Participants in their studies included brown jokers, giant fat spiders, and garden spiders. It turned out that lemon oil did not produce any deterrent effects. On the other hand, peppermint oil proved to be very effective.
The following agents proved effective in a special experimental setup in which the animals were directly exposed to the fragrances. For the greatest possible protection against the creepy crawlies, you should use various measures at the same time. The problem with smells is that they don't disperse optimally throughout the room and quickly fade.
lavender
The Mediterranean plant exudes a pleasant smell that keeps numerous insects at bay. The eight-legged friends also find the aroma unpleasant and thus stay away from the human environment. However, the scents dissipate quickly and do not penetrate every corner of the room. Therefore, you should sprinkle corners, niches and gaps with some lavender oil.
Alternatives to lavender:
- Put a few drops of peppermint oil in a spray bottle filled with water
- Spray window sills, doors and floors
- repeat after the next cleaning
chestnuts
Brown widows and garden spiders were shown to be sensitive to the smell of chestnuts in the studies. The giant fat spider had less aversion to the aroma. Break up the fruit with a hammer. Fill the pulp into bowls and spread them around the room. Since the scent fades over time, you should regularly lay out fresh chestnuts. The effect lasts up to a month indoors.
Useful lodgers
Spiders in the garden are completely normal. Even if many people are disgusted by the eight-legged crawling creatures, the animals provide valuable services. They keep the apartment free of annoying fruit flies, mosquitoes and house flies. The spider has not specialized in its capture method for any special prey. Any flying insects caught in their web are paralyzed by a bite and digested by injected enzymes.
Why spiders live with you
The crawling animals settle where they find protection from the cold and at the same time optimal food conditions. In autumn, spiders withdraw from the garden and penetrate the apartment through cracks in the facade or gaps under the doors. They need a warm environment, otherwise they will overcool.
tips
In order to keep the unwanted guests away, you should pay attention to thorough hygiene. Leftover food and breadcrumbs attract insects, which in turn improve the feeding conditions for spiders.