How to keep spiders and insects out of your home with 35p item they hate

Enjoy open windows free from spiders and other insects with this cleaning hack. As summer approaches and the weather gets warmer, opening our windows can do wonders to help cool down our homes and let in some much-needed fresh air. But there’s just one downside to an open window – it allows things to come inside that you’d really rather stay outside.

Spiders love to make their webs on the outside of your windows, particularly in the corners where they can hide away until some unsuspecting prey lands in the threads. If your windows are open, however, they can get curious and wander inside looking for a new place to set up shop.

Other insects, such as flies, ants, and moths, can make use of open windows too, all of which can be a nuisance to find in your home. But there is a way to keep them away with just one item you probably already own.

Cleaning experts shared the useful hack in a video on TikTok in which they explained how to effectively clean the outside of your windows to remove bugs that may already be there and how to keep future ones at bay.

In the clip, shared by Cleanipedia, homeowners are first encouraged to clean their windows using a mixture of washing up liquid and white vinegar in a spray bottle.

Using a brush or cloth, you can scrub at your outside windowsill to dislodge any old cobwebs, and you can even use a cloth on the glass itself to leave your windows sparkling.

To deter bugs, simply fill another spray bottle with pure white vinegar and spritz it around your window frame. The cleaning experts suggested that essential oils, such as lavender or citronella, can also be used, but white vinegar is often a more affordable option, available for as little as 35p at some supermarkets.

Viewers of the video were mostly grateful for the cleaning tip, although some argued that it was wrong to kill the spiders and insects that live outside windows, citing their important role in the ecosystem.

One commenter said: “Leave them alone. We are so short on insects already.” Another added: “Why? Leave them alone. They’re doing no harm. It’s wildlife, everything has a place in life.”

However, others praised the advice, with one person stating: “Such a good hack!” and another fan writing: “Will try this, thanks!”.

How to keep spiders and insects out of your home Seal entry points: Make sure there are no gaps in your walls or windows that insects can enter through. You can also install door sweeps to block small gaps under your doors.

Declutter your homes: Spiders love clutter, such as stacks of boxes, paper, and clothes. Cleaning up your home can remove their hiding spots, making them less likely to invade.

Maintain cleanliness: Clean up crumbs and other food sources to keep ants and spiders away. Make sure to also clean woodpiles and leaf litter from your garden, as insects will bury themselves there.

Use natural repellents: Spray repellents around entry points such as windowsills and doors. You can use white vinegar, peppermint oil, lavender oil, and even citrus peels from fruits such as oranges and lemons.

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