Autumn is officially in full swing, and while most people love the falling leaves and cooler weather, the change of seasons also means that spider activity is at its peak. If, like me, you’re desperately searching for a way to keep eight-legged critters out of your home, experts are recommending a simple hack using one secret ingredient that you probably already have in the back of your cupboard.

There are many methods that you can try to get rid of spiders in your home, but this latest hack focuses on creating a deterrent at entry-points in your home to stop spiders from gaining access in the first place. And it’s as simple as using a stick of chalk to draw a spider barrier – here’s all you need to know.

How can chalk deter spiders?

Chalk is an effective home remedy to get rid of pests, like ants. And it turns out that spiders don’t like it either. ‘Spiders have chemoreceptors on their feet that detect surface chemistry as they walk. Chalk, which is calcium carbonate, creates a dry, alkaline surface that is deeply unpleasant for spiders to traverse,’ explains Mosh Latifi, co-owner of EcoCare Pest Management.

‘The texture of chalk also disrupts the grip of spiders’ tarsal claws, which they use to navigate surfaces confidently. The combination of chemical irritation and physical discomfort makes spiders reluctant to cross a chalk line, even if they can clearly detect a space beyond it,’ adds Mosh.

With this in mind, experts are urging us to draw chalk barriers around entry points to the home to help reduce the presence of spiders. To do this effectively, it’s important to identify where spiders are entering our homes from.

‘The most useful places to draw a chalk barrier are around likely external entry points, such as door thresholds, window frames and small gaps where spiders may be getting inside,’ explains Emily Green, home maintenance expert at Howarth Timber. But chalk can also be effective when used inside the home too.

‘Indoors, chalk can be used around windowsills, doorways and gaps around frames, where it should remain undisturbed for longer,’ says Emily. ‘But test the chalk on a discreet area first as it can mark some surfaces.’

With autumn marking the start of spider season, early October is the ideal time to put your barriers in place to see a drop in spider activity. ‘Draw your barriers now, in early October, which is peak spider mating season when males are actively moving around and looking for a way indoors. A dry day will give the best result as chalk on damp stone or wood is less effective and degrades more quickly,’ says Mosh.

It’s also worth noting that, in order for the chalk barrier to do its job, you have to keep them in good condition. ‘Chalk barriers degrade with moisture, foot traffic and cleaning, so it needs to be refreshed regularly to remain effective,’ says Mosh. ‘It might not make spiders permanently avoid an area but, if consistently maintained, it creates a meaningful deterrent.’

Are chalk barriers effective?

There’s no denying that spiders hate chalk, and while a barrier can deter them from entering your home, it might not work for every spider. ‘Chalk is often suggested as a simple way to deter spiders because the dry, powdery surface may make an area less appealing for them to cross. However, I would think of it as an extra deterrent rather than your main line of defence,’ says Emily.

Chalk will work well to reduce spider numbers somewhat, but it might not be enough to keep them out entirely. If you don’t want to take any risks, then it’s worth also addressing the things that make your home inviting for spiders. This includes reducing bright lights in the evening, managing humidity and moisture in your home, and being mindful of clutter.

Try a layered approach

In fact, it’s often thought that chalk works best as a layered approach, alongside shutting windows and implementing scents that spiders hate. Spiders are likely to view open windows as an open invitation into your home. So, as well as securing your windowsills with chalk barriers, it may also be worth implementing a spider curfew, just in case. And spray scents like eucalyptus or peppermint around entryways for extra defence.

‘Combine chalk with peppermint oil spray along the same entry points and make sure any visible gaps in door frames or window seals are physically sealed,’ suggests Mosh. ‘The chalk will deter spiders from crossing, the peppermint oil makes the area unpleasant to approach, and sealing gaps removes the entry point entirely. Each method reinforces the other.’

If shoes cluttering up your hallway has become the bane of your existence, then I have some good news. Dunelms’ Ria Rotating Shoe Storage is currently 30% off and perfect for small spaces.

If you have a small hallway, I’m sure you’re well aware that a build-up of spare shoes can quickly make your space look cramped and chaotic – and in some cases dangerous! If you want to reduce the amount of trip hazards as you come through the front, it’s worth learning the clever tricks people with tidy hallways always do.

One thing is for sure: good shoe storage. And if you’re short on space, the rotating feature of the Ria shoe storage makes it a solid option. Here’s why.

There are plenty of amazing shoe storage solutions for small spaces, including Lakeland’s new space-saving rack and the Amazon shoe boxes (£15.99) that the Ideal Home swear by.

But I’ll admit I’d not seen rotating shoe storage before. Recently, I coveted Dunelm’s Ria Rotating Bookshelf, and having spotted the same design was available in the form of shoe storage, I was instantly intrigued.

Reduced from £199 to £139.50, this space-saving storage solution has four shelves that rotate around an inner console, so you can access the pair you need while keeping four on show at all times. The idea is that you can keep multiple pairs of shoes out of sight at one time.

Its stylish design means it’s storage you won’t mind having on show, and at 113.5cm, it won’t take up much room either. You could even place a key tray on top and use it as a side table in your hallway, too.

‘This item came bigger than expected but lovely quality! It weighs a ton ! Very pleased -probably should have had it constructed by delivery drivers as they take packaging away. Our lovely lady who does managed it and every part was there but not a job for a novice!’ says one review.

Another review points out it is ‘too complicated’ to build, so if you are a DIY novice, it’s probably worth getting some help putting it together.

More shoe storage buys

If DIY really isn’t your thing, here are a few more stylish shoe storage options you can shop online – and don’t take much effort to assemble.

Would you invest in the Dunelm Ria Rotating Shoe Storage?

In honour of the beginning of ‘spooky season ’, Lidl has just dropped a gorgeous pumpkin casserole (£34.99), which, if you ask me, is an absolute deadringer for the Le Creuset Pumpkin Casserole (£315, John Lewis).

While Le Creuset is most famous for producing some of the best cast iron cookware on the market, it’s also become equally iconic for its statement designs and colourways. Most recently, of course, was the Le Creuset x Star Trek collaboration.

In autumn, however, it is their pumpkin casserole that reigns supreme. However, at £315, it’s incredibly pricey for an item you may not use all year round. This is where Lidl’s pumpkin casserole comes in handy. At just £34.99, they’re a bargain price, and look just as good as the designer alternative.

Landing in stores today, Lidl’s latest cast iron drop as the brand frequently releases affordable cast iron cookware, designed to rival high end brands. It was only a few weeks ago when Lidl dropped a stunning range of cast iron pots, pans and cooking accessories. If you missed out on those middle aisle treats, dare I say this pumpkin casserole is even better?

Crafted in the shape of a pumpkin, complete with a twisting silver vine, there’s no denying that Lidl’s Pumpkin Casserole Dish looks way more expensive than its budget price tag. In fact, I’m surprised to see a decorative cast iron dish for under £35.

It’s not just the pot’s looks though that has caught my eye. It also has a 2.5L capacity, making it ideal for batch cooking for serving up family feasts. The dish can go straight from the hob to oven to table, making it incredibly versatile and reduces the amount of washing up (always a win).

It has a durable, double enamel coating, is oven safe up to 260°C and is suitable for all hot types – including induction. The pot even comes with a three-year warranty.

I will say that you shouldn’t expect the same level of quality from this Lidl cast iron as you would expect from Le Creuset or Staub. Those cast ions come with a lifetime guarantee, so don’t expect a budget cast iron to perform in the same way. That being said, I have no issue with using budget options.

I personally use George Home’s Burgundy Cast Iron Stockpot (£32), which not only looks great, but cooks like a dream. Genuinely, I use it every time I batch cook (which is at least once a week) and have done so for the past year – the pot still looks like new. Similarly, Digital Editor Rebecca Knight has used an Aldi cast iron pot for over five years and still loves it.

As is the case with all Lidl special buys, these pumpkin casseroles are only available while stocks last. If you miss out, or don’t have a local store, don’t worry as I’ve rounded up a few alternatives you can shop online.

If you’ve always dreamt of a Le Creuset pumpkin casserole, but have never had the cash to spare, this Lidl alternative looks just as good as a mere fraction of the cost.