Households urged to put orange peel under Christmas trees in December | UK | News

UK households are being urged to place orange peels under their Christmas trees in December to deter unwanted pests. December is just over a week away, which means households will be ready to deck out their halls and ring in the festive season, and for many, that includes getting a real Christmas tree.

While they’re a little messier than artificial trees, you can’t beat that natural scent and look; Choosing one of these is a long-standing tradition for many families. But while real trees may look and smell magical when adorned with twinkling lights and ornaments, they may be harboring unwanted guests in the form of spiders among their branches.

As they grow outdoors, real Christmas trees can host eight-legged creatures, other insects and their eggs, and when the eggs are brought indoors they often hatch when exposed to warm temperatures. Spider populations have increased thanks to unusually warm summers this year, meaning the creatures will be looking for cozy winter hideaways.

Sophie Thorogood, pest prevention specialist Pest StopHe explained: “We have seen insect numbers increase significantly throughout 2025 due to warmer weather creating an increased food source for spiders.

“With more spiders around and cold weather driving them indoors, there’s a good chance your Christmas tree is carrying unexpected passengers.”

Experts say some orange peel is all you need to keep spiders away from your Christmas and home this winter. Spiders are very sensitive to smell and rely heavily on their senses; Therefore, strong, pungent smells like orange peel can overwhelm them and cause them to avoid an area.

Creepy bugs have a particular aversion to citrus scents, so using strong-smelling fruits in your home is a cheap and natural way to keep them away.

Experts at Enviroliteracy explain: “Orange peels can help repel spiders. Spiders are known to dislike strong citrus odors, and the compounds found in orange peels can be an effective, natural deterrent.”

“While not a guaranteed solution for completely eradicating spiders, using orange peels is a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to make your home less attractive to these eight-legged visitors.

“Spiders rely heavily on their senses, especially the fine hairs on their legs, to detect vibrations and odors. Strong odors, such as those emitted by citrus fruits, can overwhelm their senses, causing them to avoid the area.”

To use orange peel as a spider deterrent, place the peel in a bowl and place it under your Christmas tree this December; The scent will help keep spiders away.

Pest experts also recommend soaking orange peels in boiling water with a few drops of orange essential oil and letting the liquid simmer overnight before transferring it to a spray bottle. Then spray the solution throughout your home, including your Christmas tree; This will help keep spiders away.

Experts also recommended giving your Christmas tree a good shake outside before bringing it indoors; This will help clear out any spiders, webs and eggs that may be hidden in the branches.

The experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control add: “Before you bring it indoors, keep in mind that it may be crawling with insects, including spiders. These pesky pests are often found on many types of Christmas trees, including Douglas fir, Fraser fir, spruce and white pine trees. Fortunately, these spiders are generally not dangerous at all. Rather, they are an “overwintering” species and are just looking for a cozy place to spend the winter.

“If you suspect spiders or other pests are living in your tree, it is best to prepare your tree before bringing it in. If possible, leave the tree in your garage for a few days and shake the tree before bringing it in.

“Lifting the tree and pounding the bottom of it can remove some insects that may have made a home in your tree.”