The UK is in the height of spider season, and while these creepy-crawlies are an important part of our ecosystem, they're not anyone's first choice of house guest.
As Britons seek solutions, with searches for "Do spiders hate conkers?" jumping by a whopping 110 per cent in recent days, a flooring expert has shared how to actually keep arachnids away.
James Higgins from Online Carpets stated: "While it's been commonly said that placing conkers around your home is the best way to get rid of spiders, sadly, scattering chestnuts around your home seems to just be an old wives' tale with no scientific backing."
However, there are proven natural methods that do work to discourage these eight-legged visitors.
Block any gaps in your home
According to the expert, the first line of defence involves blocking entry routes. Mr Higgins said: "The first step when looking at how to get rid of spiders in the house is to seal their entryways.
"Block any gaps in walls and pipes, and seal any cracks you have around your windows and doors to stop them from making their way in.
Britons are on the hunt for effective spider deterrents this autumn
|GETTY
Clean, clean, clean
Regular housekeeping plays a crucial role if you want to deter creepy-crawlies.
The expert advised that windows need special attention, particularly those with existing cobwebs, as the dirt and buildup could be attracting insects and, in turn, spiders.
A mixture of white vinegar and warm water works brilliantly for cleaning windows and windowsills.
Inside, consistent tidying removes potential hiding spots. Frequent dusting and vacuuming help keep spiders at bay, and keeping on top of bins is equally important.
The flooring guru explained that keeping them sealed, positioned away from windows, and regularly cleaned prevents attracting flies that spiders love to catch.
Use scents to deter spiders
Beyond blocking entry routes and keeping your home spick and span, natural fragrances also offer an effective spider deterrent.
"There are a few scents that spiders dislike: cinnamon, mint, lavender and lemon, to name a few," noted Mr Higgins.
For autumn ambience, cinnamon works perfectly. The expert advised Britons to place cinnamon sticks around their home or light cinnamon-scented candles to create a cosy atmosphere while keeping spiders away.
Those preferring fresher scents can pot lavender or peppermint plants on windowsills. These attractive additions enhance your home's exterior while preventing spiders from entering.
Citrus provides another solution. For a "cheap and easy" deterrent, consider rubbing lemon peels over your windowsills, skirting boards, or any shelves.
For a 'cheap and easy' solution, consider rubbing lemon peels over your windowsills
|GETTY
Create a homemade spider repellent
The expert divulged: "If you’re looking for a particularly quick fix, you can easily make your own spider repellent."
These are easily created by mixing approximately 20 drops of essential oil (choose from lemon, peppermint, or lavender) with water in a spray bottle. With this concoction, target corners and crevices where spiders typically hide.
"You can also create your own cleaning solution by mixing a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and warm water, and then add a few drops of your chosen essential oil," the expert recommended.
This mixture works particularly well on laminate or vinyl flooring in kitchens and bathrooms – prime spider territory.
While completely spider-proofing isn't possible, these natural approaches offer effective protection during mating season.