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As British homes face massive spider invasion, 12 ways to protect your household from the critters

Experts predict this weekend will see an influx of super-size scuttlers up to 12cm wide invading homes, when their mating seasons begins.

This year’s heatwave has already caused a wave of poisonous false widow creepy crawlies, and as temperatures drop the males are set to prowl inside in search of a place to pal up.

The majority of Britain’s 650 species of spiders are harmless. But if you’re not a fan of our eight-legged friends, here The Sun has provided Spider SOS survival top tips will help.

SPIDERS sniff with their legs so mix up a bottle of repellent to blitz around – on windows, doors and any other cracks and crevices where they might crawl into your home.

Make a solution of equal parts white or apple cider vinegar to water and spray liberally around any arachnid entry points, dark corners and underneath furniture, where critters like to lurk.

IN autumn, male spiders leave their webs and crawl into our homes through gaps in windows, doors and other vents looking for a female to mate with.

Make sure windows are shut overnight and consider using sealant (from DIY stores) or mesh net to close any gaps.

If you have spaces under doors try a draught excluder – this will help keep your home warm, too.

CONKERS are well known as a natural spider deterrent as they are believed to contain a chemical the creepy critters hate.

Collect horse chestnuts to scatter around your house – place them near skirting boards, on window sills and in dark corners, for example under the bed.

But take care if you have pets as they can be poisonous.

KEEPING your house clutter and dirt-free helps to eliminate dark, dusty spots where spiders love to hang out.

Washing, dusting and vacuuming regularly will get rid of any cobwebs that could contain unhatched baby arachnid egg sacs.

Existing spiders will also be reluctant to return if their habitat keeps on being disturbed.

SPIDERS hate peppermint, so the fragrance is your best friend. Invest in a bottle of peppermint essential oil and apply to known lurking spots.

Use neat in crevices or mix twenty drops with water to spray around sills, skirting boards, ventilation holes and fabrics, including duvet covers, pillows, towels and curtains. Re-apply regularly to keep the aroma strong.

IF you’ve got a family cat that likes to hunt, you’re in luck. They’ll patrol for pests and probably eat any big spiders that dare to enter.

Both dogs and cats can be useful spider slayers. Especially ones that like to chase things that move.

CERTAIN plants have medicinal scents that deter creepy crawlies, so grow eucalyptus or pots of herbs.

Growing basil, thyme and rosemary on windowsills will help keep pests out.

INVEST in smelly candles, diffusers or scented sticks with spider-repelling scents such as cinnamon, tobacco, citronella, cedar and lemon grass.

Flood your home with these ultimate critter turn-offs.

Place in bathrooms and on window sills around the house, where the fragrance should help to repel those in your home and deter others from entering.

SPIDERS hate citrus scents, so stock up on lemons, limes and oranges. Rub peel over windows, doors and anywhere else spiders might choose to hide, such as inside wardrobes and kitchen cupboards and at the back of shelves.

It will act as a deterrent. Look for citrus-fragranced furniture polishes and cleaning products too, and use liberally.

OTHER bugs, such as moths and flies, are favourite spider snacks so limit their numbers to keep the big guys out.

Keep surfaces and bin areas clean and cover your pet food and fruit bowl to keep away flies.

Also, switch off lights when you don’t need them as light attracts moths and crawling insects into the home, which in turn attract hungry spiders.

DON’T forget any external areas that are likely to draw in spiders.

Bins, firewood, compost and even piles of unused coats and shoes in porches all make perfect nesting spots.

IF all else fails, invest in a spider catcher stick to help you pick up and throw out any unwanted eight-legged guests over the next few weeks – even from hard-to-reach spots (from £9, amazon.co.uk).