Strong said: “Start by sealing any cracks or openings around your windows and doors with weather stripping or sealant.
“If you’re after a repellent, supermarkets charge anything from £5-£11 for spider repellent. However, using plants and natural repellents is not only cheaper but chemical-free too.”
For a natural harm-free method rub lemon peels on windowsills, skirting boards, and bookshelves to keep spiders away.
Strong suggests mixing 20 drops of essential oil (like tea tree, lavender, peppermint, citrus, or cinnamon) with water in a spray bottle and spraying it in corners and moist areas.
Another idea he recommended was placing cinnamon sticks around your home or burning a cinnamon-scented candle which can also help repel spiders.
Beer deterrent for slugs
Online searches for ‘how to stop slugs eating plants’ are up by 212 percent in the last month alone.
So it is no wonder that pests are a big problem for gardeners. Strong advised: “When it comes to preventing slugs from eating plants, one of the easiest ways is by growing plants that are deemed less attractive to them. Consider planting ferns, as well as herbs like rosemary and thyme.”
The expert also suggested creating a copper tape barrier around your pots and garden beds as this stops slugs with a mild electric charge.
He added: “Equally, crushed eggshells and sand can deter slugs, as can beer. Slugs are attracted to beer due to the smell of malt – if slugs are killing your plants, consider burying a container in your pots and filling it with beer.”
Invest in a string curtain
When you think of summer you think of flying insects such as wasps, bees and flies in making themselves known.
“One of the easiest ways to combat them is to ensure food and drinks are covered at all times,” Strong said. “These pests are attracted to sweet scents, and by ensuring you keep food covered and tidied away promptly, they’ll be deterred.”
You can also prevent any insects from coming into your home by sealing any gaps and cracks in your walls and doors.
The expert added: “A string curtain to hang in your door frames can be a great idea – they are an affordable way to keep insects out of your home while allowing the breeze in.”
Vinegar is your friend
“Ants are considerably more active in the summer months due to the warmer conditions and are usually found in warm, sugary areas,” Strong said.
“With this in mind, it’s imperative that you clean down your surfaces after eating and clean up any spills.” Strong also recommended using vinegar. While it is a great product for cleaning it can also get rid of any ants.
He said: “Ants don’t like the smell of vinegar – and if strong enough it can kill them. To successfully repel ants, mix at least one part vinegar with three parts water.”
