Do these 5 things now to keep spiders out of your home for good

If you're one of the many who get scared by spiders scuttling around your home, then you're not alone.

As temperatures begin to cool in autumn, we spend more time indoors, and our homes become more and more inviting for creepy crawlies .

For spiders in particular, during this time of the year, they head inside our homes for mating season, and before we know it, they are everywhere.

The good news is we don't have to let them and their annoying webs take over our home, and there are some things we can do to take action.

Spiders don't just magically get into our homes as there are avoidable signs that draw them in, cracks in windows, open vents and cluttered spots all give them hiding spots.

Once one spider moves in, it isn't long before others follow, laying egg sacs, webbing across skirting boards or gathering in the back of our wardrobes

Before the panic sets in (or the vacuum comes out), there are simple habits you can begin right now to change the odds in your favour.

Clean surfaces, seal up cracks, remove any attractions, and introduce some roadblocks that are completely harmless to people but are sure to put any eight-legged visitors off. According to insect expert Paul Blackhurst from Rentokil Pest Control, you don't need to rely on harsh chemicals.

He added: "Spiders are attracted to undisturbed, dark areas such as corners, behind appliances or furniture, and wall cracks. The most effective way to control them indoors is to limit their food source by reducing other insects around your home."

The expert went on to give five top tips to keep spiders out of your home:

Vacuum regularly - high and low

Spiders love to find messy, dark spots that won't get cleaned, so making sure sheltered spots are clean is the first step in stopping them from finding a home. Paul suggests always cleaning beneath worktops, behind cupboards and underneath sofas.

Remove noticeable webs

A web is a spider's home, so by removing their webs, you're making it much harder for a spider to thrive and don't forget those hard-to-reach spots where spiders like to settle.

Fill gaps

Spiders can easily crawl through gaps into your home to protect themselves from the elements. By filling in gaps around walls, pipework and under your door, you're giving them one less place to get in.

Remove sheltering sites

Spiders will look to tuck themselves away in your firewood piles, garden bags and any compost heaps that you have, so try to keep these located away from the main property.

Deter all insects

By removing their food, you make your home much less attractive to spiders. So keeping insects away from them is also important. For that, it's important to fix any damp patches, store food securely, and keep surfaces clean. The fewer insects around, the fewer spiders you'll see.