Drivers urged to use citrus air freshener to repel common autumn pest | UK | News
Citrus air freshener is a simple way to prevent a common pest from taking root in your car this fall. Spider season in the UK generally runs from late August until mid-October or mid-November, during which the eight-legged creatures seek out places that provide warmth and shelter.
So Brits may encounter more spiders in their homes than usual during this period, but cars are also a hot spot for them, as they feed on crumbs and scraps and could potentially spend their entire lives inside them. According to the auto experts at LeaseLoco, it’s not easy to prevent them from entering in the first place, as they can squeeze through small gaps and even get on shoes.
Fortunately, there are many precautions you can take to keep spiders away, and the company reveals five simple tips.
These include using a citrus air freshener, as arachnids “are known to dislike citrus scents, so using a lemon-scented air freshener can be an easy but effective deterrent.”
You may not even need to buy anything to benefit from the deterrent power of fruit, as you can “place leftover citrus peels, such as lemons or oranges, in different areas of the car overnight.”
However, the rental deals site reminds drivers to replace them once they dry out because they lose strength over time.
These aren’t the only smells that spiders hate, and essential oils are a “surprisingly effective” way to keep the pesky things away.
“Strong scents of peppermint, eucalyptus and citrus are particularly offensive to them,” the firm says, explaining that drivers can make their own simple DIY sprays by “mixing water with a drop of dish soap and a few drops of essential oil” before spraying them around the vehicle.
The pleasant scent it emits means it can also act as a natural air freshener while deterring creepy crawlies.
Considering that where you park your car can also have an impact, leaving vehicles under trees or in wooded, enclosed areas can be an “open invitation” to spiders seeking warmth and shelter, the firm says.
For this reason, LeaseLoco recommends that, if possible, you try to park in open areas where spiders are less likely to gain access to your car.
Regular cleaning also helps, as spiders seek out crumbs and food waste. The company suggests that measures such as vacuuming under the mats and opening ventilation holes in places where they can hide can also be effective.
The firm notes that many people still swear by leaving horse chestnuts in their cars to repel spiders, believing that the shiny seeds contain a natural chemical that spiders dislike. However, they note that there is limited evidence to support its effectiveness as a deterrent.
John Wilmot, founder and managing director of LeaseLoco, said: “Spiders are everywhere at this time of year, and unfortunately that includes our vehicles. “They can easily sneak in through vents, cracked windows and even by writhing on shoes and clothing.
“Deterring spiders in your car is actually pretty simple. Using air fresheners with unpleasant scents for spiders can help keep them away without bothering them. Regular cleaning can also help eliminate the problem.”
“No one wants to encounter a spider while driving, but it’s important to stay calm if you see one inside your car. If you feel uncomfortable, moving the spider over safely is the best way to avoid any accidents.”
