As summer rolls into August, so does the season of surprise arachnid encounters, particularly with the UK’s most talked-about guest, the notorious false widow spider. If you’re wondering how to deter widow spiders without turning your home into a science experiment or spider safari, don’t worry, you’re not alone. While their sudden appearance can make even the bravest among us reach for a shoe, there’s no need to panic. With a few clever, safe, and sensible strategies, you can keep these eight-legged lodgers firmly outside where they belong and enjoy your home in peace this summer.
Here’s how to deter false widow spiders from your home this August—safely and effectively.
Understanding the False Widow
False widow spiders are often mistaken for their more dangerous cousins, but they’re far less harmful. The most common in the UK is the noble false widow, which tends to favour warm, dry environments like sheds, lofts, bathrooms, and bedrooms.
While their bite can cause mild discomfort, it’s rare and typically no worse than a wasp sting. That said, their growing numbers in recent years have left many homeowners understandably uneasy.
Where and Why They Show Up
False widows are most active from July through October, thriving in the warmth of late summer. You’re more likely to spot them:
- In quiet, undisturbed spaces like airing cupboards, garden sheds, and loft corners
- Behind furniture, under radiators, or window frames
- Near sources of light, where insects gather (their main food source)
Signs to Watch For-
Noticed something skittering in the shadows or a web where there wasn’t one yesterday? Before you spiral into full arachnid paranoia, here are the tell-tale signs that a false widow spider may be squatting rent-free in your home:
- A web only a mother spider could love
-False widows aren’t exactly known for their interior design skills. Their webs tend to look like someone tried to knit a hammock while blindfolded, messy, thick, and built-in odd corners, behind furniture, or around window frames. If you spot one that’s more haphazard art installation than classic cobweb, it could be a red flag.
- A spider with a suspiciously shiny derrière
-Keep an eye out for a brown-bodied spider with a bulbous, glossy abdomen, often with faint cream markings or a pattern that vaguely resembles a skull (just in case they weren’t dramatic enough already). They’re not big on making a grand entrance, so you may only catch a glimpse if you shift something they’ve claimed as their spider flat.
- A crime scene of insect carnage
-False widows are efficient predators; think of them as the silent assassins of the spider world. If you find small insects wrapped neatly in silk parcels near a web, your eight-legged tenant has likely been dining in.
If you’re ticking one or more of these boxes, it might be time to take action, or at the very least, politely ask the spider to vacate the premises (with the help of a jar and some bravery, of course). But don’t worry, in most cases, these signs are more nuisance than nightmare, and with the right steps, you can reclaim your corners in no time.
Practical Ways to Deter False Widow Spiders
Keeping false widow spiders out of your home doesn’t require drastic measures. A few consistent habits and simple household adjustments can go a long way in making your space less appealing to them. Here are some reliable, non-toxic ways to prevent unwanted spider visitors this August:
- Keep Your Home Clean and Tidy
-False widow spiders tend to settle in quiet, cluttered areas where they can go undisturbed.
- Vacuum corners, behind furniture, under beds, and around skirting boards every week
- Clear away cobwebs as soon as they appear using a broom or extendable duster
- Declutter storage areas like under-stairs cupboards, loft spaces, and airing cupboards — these hidden corners are common spider hideouts.
- Seal Entry Points
-Spiders can enter through surprisingly small gaps around your home. Sealing these entry points reduces their chances of getting inside.
- Use caulk or silicone filler to close cracks in walls, windows, and brickwork
- Install fine mesh screens over air bricks, vents, and other exterior openings
- Check for gaps under doors and fit draft excluders where necessary
These simple steps can make a big difference in keeping insects — and the spiders that follow them — outside.
- Use Natural Scent-Based Deterrents
-Strong natural scents are known to deter spiders, and many are safe to use around the home.
- Peppermint oil: Mix 10 drops with water in a spray bottle and lightly spray window sills, corners, and door frames
- White vinegar: A natural cleaning solution and deterrent; spray diluted vinegar in areas prone to spider activity
- Citrus peels: Place lemon or orange peels in areas where spiders are often spotted
These solutions are easy to make and can be used regularly without harsh chemicals.
- Add Spider-Repelling Indoor Plants
-Certain plants are known to help deter spiders while also enhancing your home environment.
- Lavender, eucalyptus, and mint are all excellent natural repellents
- Place them near entry points or in areas where spiders tend to settle, such as windowsills or conservatories
They offer a natural barrier and bring added freshness to your space.
- Reduce Outdoor Attractions
-Spiders are often drawn indoors after following their prey. Minimising insect activity around your home’s exterior can help prevent this.
- Turn off outdoor lights when not in use, especially near entryways
- Keep blinds or curtains drawn in the evening to reduce indoor light spill that attracts insects
- Clear away compost heaps, overgrown vegetation, and garden clutter close to the home’s perimeter
A tidy garden space and controlled lighting can significantly lower the chance of spiders making their way indoors.
By adopting these easy and practical measures, you’ll make your home far less inviting to false widow spiders this season. A proactive approach is the best defence, and most of these habits will benefit your household beyond just spider prevention.
When to Call a Professional
If you spot multiple spiders or are particularly anxious about an infestation, don’t hesitate to call a local pest control professional. They can assess the issue and suggest safe treatments tailored to your home.
Remember: most false widow sightings don’t require removal—if they’re not bothering you, they can often be left alone. But if they’re in living spaces or causing distress, it’s best to act calmly and sensibly.
Final Thoughts!
False widow spiders may be unsettling to find, but they’re rarely dangerous. With a bit of awareness and a few simple habits, like regular cleaning, sealing entry points, and using natural repellents, you can confidently deter false widow spiders and keep your home spider-free this August.
Worried about summer pests in general? thehouseholddaily has you covered. From false widow spiders to wasps and more, follow us for practical, pet-safe solutions to everyday household concerns.
