Brits on lookout for terrifying insects trying to get into homes during heatwaves

As non-native arachnids like the rare 'Distinguished Jumping Spider' are seen in the UK, an expert's revealed how to keep the leaping creepy-crawlies out of your home this heatwave. In March, PM Sir Keir Starmer claimed the protected jumping spider's presence in Ebbsfleet, Kent, had stopped a new town from being built adding the "dream of home ownership for thousands of families" was "held back by arachnids".

The Distinguished Jumping Spider (Attulus distinguendus) are known for their impressive leaping ability, which they use for hunting and escaping danger. They don't use webs to catch prey, instead relying on their jumping skills. In the past month, 'How to get rid of spiders' has seen a 5,000 percent increase in searches according to Google Trends, as spider season is in full swing.

Now Miroslav Radov, owner of Rainbow Rubbish Removals, has provided expert advice on preventing jumping spiders in the home.

Eliminate entry points:

Spiders can fit through extremely small spaces. Whilst this depends on the species and size of the spider, some can fit through gaps as small as that of a bank card's thickness, with some flattening their bodies to fit through narrow gaps.

This makes inspecting your home for entry points during seasons of increased spider activity crucial. By identifying these small potential entry points, you can help decrease the risk of spiders entering your property, decreasing the risk of infestation.

Focus on gaps in low level foundations and pipes. Cracks in any walls or doors can also be entry points for spiders, so be sure to check for any damage and if found, take the needed steps to seal these potential entry points. Be sure to also examine vents for gaps, as well as looking for gaps under any decking or sheds outside.

Radov suggests: "While inspecting for entry points, check for signs of spider activity. This could be in the form of webs, egg sacs, or just noticing more spiders than usual.

"If you are unsure or unable to adequately check your property for entry points, pest control professionals are able to identify all the smallest entry points, and if you find signs of rat activity, they can also help to eliminate any spider infestations."

Keep your home clean and limit clutter:

One of the most important and simple steps you can take to prevent spiders is to maintain good levels of cleanliness and limit clutter in your home.

By nature, spiders are attracted to cluttered and undisturbed areas, which often comes with a lack of cleaning and tidying. Limiting or eliminating clutter all together, makes it harder for spiders to find shelter, food, and water, which all contribute to them sticking around in our homes.

Radov states: "Ensure that you regularly vacuum and mop, taking extra care in spaces such as kitchens that can harbour crumbs and food waste which attracts small insects, as these are spider prey and can thereby attract spiders."

Keep outdoor spaces tidy:

"It is key to keep outdoor spaces clean and tidy as well as those indoor spaces. Removing potential hiding spots and food sources outside can make your garden less appealing to spiders, which in turn reduces the likelihood of them making their way indoors.

"Spiders look for sheltered areas to hide from predators, as well as to build webs and lay eggs. Piles of garden tools, or any form of clutter that may be outside offer numerous nooks and crannies that spiders can exploit."

Consider natural repellents:

He adds: "There are various natural deterrents you can use to deter spiders and decrease the chances of them entering and nesting in your home. Apply these in areas where spiders are likely to be or to enter, such as near entry points."

Citrus Scents:

"Spiders find the strong and acidic smell of citrus fruits to be unpleasant. Using citrus peels, or citrus scented products around entry points can help to deter spiders from entering your home."

Vinegar:

"Vinegar also has a strong acidic scent which helps to deter spiders. White vinegar can be particularly useful, as it contains acetic acid which is unpleasant for spiders, causing them to avoid areas in which this vinegar is used. This is a popular non-toxic method to deter spiders, and costs as little as 35p!"

Eucalyptus oil or tea tree oil:

"The very strong scents of oils such as eucalyptus or tea tree disrupts the spider's sense of smell. They contain aromatic molecules that spiders find unappealing and look to avoid. The oils also have a tendency to mask the scent trails that spiders use to navigate, which further deters them away."