Repel spiders during 'spider season' and keep windows sparkling with one hack

It's that time of year that many of us start to notice more eight-legged creatures in our homes- and they may not be welcomed guests.

September marks the start of "spider season" as it's the time when male spiders actively search for matesand may venture indoors.

While spiders can be found in homes year-round, they are more noticeable during this time due to increased activity and their search for warmer, drier places as the weather cools.

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Helpfully, one social media cleaning guru on TikTok has provided a straightforward method to naturally deter the arachnids - and it's all thanks to what she uses to keep her windows clean.

Lifestyle influencer Chantel Mila, better known as @mama_mila, revealed to her 1.5million followers on TikTok that you can prevent spiders and other creepy crawlies from invading your home by using peppermint oil.

The task is incredibly straightforward to execute and you likely already possess all the necessary products at home.

In the video's description, she wrote: "Make your windows sparkle (and say goodbye to bugs and spiders entering your home)."

To create Mila's homemade streak-free window solution, simply mix four cups of warm water, two cups of white vinegar and a quarter cup of washing-up liquid in a bowl, stirring gently to blend everything together.

The secret to keeping bugs at bay is adding a few drops of peppermint oil to the mix - a scent that flies, spiders, ticks and even rats and mice are said to detest.

Simply use this blend to give your windows a thorough clean with a microfibre cloth or sponge. Chantel claims the mixture "cuts through tough grime and dirt" while the peppermint aroma will help to deter pests.

When cleaning from the inside, Chantel recommends using a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water, as there's likely less dirt here - but it'll still make them sparkle.

If your home is being besieged by insects more than usual right now, you can also extend this tip by spraying a mix of water and peppermint oil on any outdoor railings, windowsills or anywhere else that pests are more likely to be.

The potent smell can make it harder for them to locate food sources, so they're less likely to want to make a home by your place.