Households urged to rub cinnamon on windows in September

Spider season is well underway and they seem to be bigger than ever this year. With the summer turning to autumn, it seems rarely an evening goes by without some whopping great eight-legged beast turning up on a floor or wall in our living rooms and bedrooms or, worse, scuttling around in our clothes and beds.

That's why spider-fearing folk are turning to any tips and tricks they can to try to keep spiders at bay at this time of year, especially as frequent spider sightings will be likely to continue until about November. One tip which pest control experts swear by uses cinnamon.

It turns out this magic spice (no not that magic spice) is not just a handy way to clean carpets or season bird food, but the antifungal and antibacterial seasoning can also keep spiders at bay. Is there anything our humble orange powder can't do?

According to Youngs Pest Control, cinnamon is best used either as raw powder in bowls or mixed into a diluted solution and sprayed around windows and doors.

Youngs explains: "This spice is much more than just a cooking ingredient. Its strong scent can deter insects like ants and cockroaches. Sprinkle ground cinnamon in areas where you've seen pests, and watch them steer clear.

"Purchase ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks. For larger areas, place small bowls filled with cinnamon or use sachets. You create a spray by mixing one tablespoon of cinnamon powder with a cup of water, then misting around windows and doorways."

The tip doesn't only work with cinnamon, indeed there are several other pungent oils and additives which spiders won't go near, including lavender, peppermint or garlic as well as vinegar.

Youngs Pest Control adds: "Essential oils like peppermint are natural insect repellents. Mix a few drops with water and spray around your home to create a refreshing scent while keeping pests at bay.

"Mix 10 to 15 drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle. Shake well and spray along baseboards windows, and doors. Soak cotton balls in the mixture and place them in pest-prone areas."