Drivers urged to put lemon peels in cars in May | Tech News

Drivers throughout the UK are being urged to put lemon peels inside their cars in May to deter spiders.

While peak spider season would not start till early September, elevated spider exercise is common in May because the late spring climate graudally turns hotter as summer time approaches. The heat circumstances entices spiders to emerge from their winter dormancy which implies sightings of the critters turns into more frequent at this time of the yr. Additionally, eggs that had been laid in earlier seasons additionally usually begin to hatch round this time, so it’s possible you’ll discover more of the creatures scuttling about.

Contego Response, national specialists in pest control, explains: “While autumn sees a pronounced spike in spider activity, spring also brings about conditions that can lead to increased indoor sightings. During winter, many spiders enter a state of reduced activity or seek secluded spots to lay dormancy while it’s too cold to be outside. With the arrival of spring, they become more active, leading to increased encounters within your space.

“Some spider species could have laid eggs in hidden corners of our properties during the earlier seasons. As temperatures rise, these eggs hatch, main to a sudden increase in the spider population indoors. Warmer climate additionally means an increase in different family pests like flies and ants. Spiders comply with their food sources, so an abundance of prey can draw them into our areas.”

While you’re more likely to encounter spiders creeping about your home or garden, they can also find their way inside cars, as it offers a nice sheltered and dark place for them to hide. So to avoid a nasty surprise while you’re behind the wheel, it’s worth putting some deterrents in place to help keep them out.

Car expert Lee Caroline, from car scrap company LJC Autospares, warns that drivers who are distracted by a spider in their vehicle while behind the wheel could be landed with a fine up to £1,000 for driving without due care and attention. This fine could rise up to £2,500 for careless driving if the distraction leads to an accident, with drivers also facing up to nine penalty points on their licence.

To avoid this problem, drivers are urged to make use of natural deterrents inside cars and this includes placing lemon peels around your vehicle.

Spiders have a very sensitive sense of smell and don’t like strong aromas, especially citrus fruits like lemon. As such, drivers can utilise this by placing lemon peels around their car, such as on the dashboard or on the floor, or make a homemade spray solution from the peels to spritz throughout your vehicle.

Experts suggest soaking lemon peels in boiling water, along with a few drops of essential oil, and leaving this overnight before transferring it into a spray bottle.

If you don’t have any lemons to hand you can also use orange, grapefruit or lime peels, and introduce some other strong smelling aromas that spiders dislike, such as tea tree, peppermint or cinnamon.

Lee said: “Spiders are put off by certain potent scents, so introducing aromas like citrus, peppermint, and tea tree into your car’s interior through an air freshener may help deter them. Another scent spiders hate is cinnamon, so placing cinnamon-scented air fresheners or regular sticks in your car can also be an effective solution.

“Keeping your car clean each inside and out is important for deterring spiders and getting rid of the bugs they feed on, akin to flies. Spiders will naturally gravitate in the direction of darkish, sheltered areas, which embody any discarded luggage, wrappers and cartons you may need mendacity round.

“Leftover food can attract insects, which in turn attract spiders. When cleaning the interior, white vinegar can serve as an effective cleaner and repellent.”

Experts additionally advocate cleansing the air vents in your car and to examine the seals round your home windows, as these can function entry factors for spiders.

Lee provides: “It’s simple to overlook, however a car’s air vents may be a main spider hotspot and ought to be cleaned often. The rubber seals round home windows and boots may additionally be a potential weak level for spiders to get in, significantly in the event that they’re perished or damaged.

“The excellent news is that these seals are comparatively cheap to exchange. Also, make sure your home windows are totally rolled up, as even the smallest hole is enough to invite spiders inside.

“If a spider does appear, the most important thing is to stay calm and keep both hands on the wheel to maintain control of the vehicle. If it’s safe to do so, find a place to pull over and remove the spider without putting yourself or others at risk.”