Brits told 'spray this solution around home' to keep spiders out this mating season

This week spiders are set to start their annual trek - into millions of UK homes. Spiders typically begin making their way indoors from mid to late August, with their numbers reaching a peak in September.

Spider mating season is also fast approaching, commencing in September, when male spiders venture into homes in search of females. As though this weren't troubling enough for those suffering from arachnophobia, larger spiders are set to become an increasingly familiar sight across the UK.

The RSPB recently reported that Britain's largest spider species - fen raft spiders - which can grow to the size of rats and are known to hunt fish, are staging a comeback in this country.

Giant false widow spiders are also poised to begin invading households within weeks. Their bites can inflict painful burning sensations and swelling, and may even trigger a fever.

Fortunately, there are measures we can take to "spider-proof " our homes, including one that utilises ingredients found in most kitchen cupboards.

According to specialists speaking to House Beautiful, a simple mixture of water and vinegar is sufficient to deter the arachnids. The magazine stated: "Spiders are sensitive to vinegar's odour and sour taste, making it another brilliant natural deterrent.

"To repel spiders from the nooks and crannies of your house, simply spritz a little vinegar and water solution in hidden corners."

One expert said: "Spray half water and half vinegar all over the crevices of your window, being careful to avoid varnished surfaces as vinegar can be harsh on these. Not only will you be keeping spiders out, vinegar is a great repellent for anyone struggling with ant infestations."

This guidance is supported by Green Pest Solutions, which recommends using white vinegar for the mixture. "Since the odour alone may be enough to repel them, you can place small dishes of diluted white vinegar in corners, underneath furniture, or other dark areas where they might be tempted to set up shop," it states.

To create the spray solution, specialists at ExtermPro suggested the following steps:

It continued: "If you notice the odour alone is not enough to repel them, you can place small dishes of diluted white vinegar in corners, underneath furniture, or other dark areas where you're most likely going to find spiders."