Spiders are not everybody's friend.
Arachnids are, however, pretty important. According to BBC Earth, spiders are some of the most "critically important" creatures for the health of the biosphere.
"Because they are so abundant and such effective predators, spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations. Experts estimate that all the world's spiders kill 400–800 million metric tons of insects yearly.
"The natural pest control that spiders provide is crucial for protecting crops and preserving agriculture."
© Shutterstock / Charlie GoodallSo, if you have a garden and are keen for it to continue growing crops and plants, then spiders are, in fact, your friends.
But, understandably, most people don't want these eight-legged creatures in their home.
Here are five easy ways to keep the spiders in the garden and out of the house...
Proper food storage
While spiders are mostly going to be on the lookout for insects to prey on, food that isn't stored properly can attract both spiders and insects. Make sure everything in cupboards is sealed effectively, and try to clean up crumbs as much as possible to prevent nature creeping in.
Peppermint Oil
Spiders are said to steer clear of essential oils, such as peppermint oil, with one theory being that they dislike strong odours. To make your own natural insecticide, add 15 to 20 drops of peppermint oil to a spray bottle filled with water and spritz around the house, particularly on door and window frames.
© Getty ImagesCedar wood
Often used as a repellent for moths, cedar wood is considered an effective way to deter spiders, too. You can buy packs of cedar wood cubes and blocks to scatter around your home from stores like Lakeland and John Lewis.
Citrus
Citrus is said to be another scent that spiders hate, so using lemon-scented cleaning products, burning citronella candles or rubbing citrus peel along skirting boards and windowsills may be all it takes to keep spiders away!
© iStockVinegar
Vinegar works in a similar way to essential oils, and can be an effective natural remedy. Fill a spray bottle with half white wine vinegar and half water, then spray in corners and any cracks where spiders may be able to come into your house.
Be careful when spraying around any varnished surfaces as the vinegar could tarnish it.
Do conkers really repel spiders?
You may have heard the old wives' tale that keeping conkers in your home is the ticket to keeping it spider-free. Alas, it is simply a myth.
BBC Science Focus put it to the test and found "no evidence" to support the claim.
What's more, pupils at the Roselyon Primary School in Cornwall won the prize after placing spiders in boxes with conkers and finding they walked all over them.
When put in a water tank with two brides – one made out of conkers and the other a regular wooden bridge – the eight-legged critters also chose the conkers bridge. So, there's no need to scatter your home with horse chestnuts!
