Last updated: 9th October 2026.
Warning: This post contains spider pictures below!
Autumn brings cosy evenings and a chance to reset the home, but spotting a spider scurrying across the floor isn’t everyone’s idea of a comfortable night in.
Spiders can become more noticeable at this time of year as males of many species move around looking for mates. That doesn’t necessarily mean there are more spiders in your home - or that they’ve all come indoors to escape the cold.
So why do they sometimes end up in your bath or sink, and what should you do when you find one? We explain what’s happening and share practical advice from Nancy Emery, home and cleaning expert at Tap Warehouse.
Why do spiders come into our homes?
It can feel as though spiders are moving indoors to escape the cold, but some already live in our homes throughout the year. They often become more noticeable in autumn, when males of many species move around looking for a mate. That’s why you might spot one scurrying across the floor, even if you haven’t noticed any for months.
Some spiders also enter through open doors and windows, but more sightings don’t necessarily mean your home has suddenly gained more residents.
House spiders generally pose little risk to people, so there’s usually no need to panic. Avoid picking them up with your bare hands; if you’d rather move one, use a cup and a piece of card.
But if the thought of moving a spider fills you with dread, you’re not alone! Here are some practical ways to make those unexpected encounters easier to manage this autumn.
Do essential oils keep spiders away?
Peppermint oil is a popular household remedy that some people try around door frames and windowsills to discourage spiders. Its effectiveness in homes isn’t established, so it may not prevent those unexpected creepy crawly encounters
But if you do choose to try a peppermint product, follow its labelled instructions and check that it’s intended for that use and suitable for the surface you’re treating. Don’t assume an essential oil is suitable for spraying around the home simply because it’s natural.
Other oils, including citrus oils and tea tree oil, are also often associated with spider deterrents, but their effectiveness for this purpose isn't established.
Do conkers deter spiders?
Placing conkers on windowsills and in corners is a familiar autumn tradition, but unfortunately it isn’t a reliable way to keep your home spider-free.
Research has found repellent effects in some spider species under laboratory conditions, but that’s different from proving that conkers scattered around a room will work.
We love an autumn tradition though! If you enjoy collecting conkers on a walk, you can still display them as a seasonal decoration- just don’t count on them to keep spiders away
What about vinegar, cinnamon and hand sanitiser?
It’s tempting to reach for something already in the cupboard, especially if you’re nervous about spiders. Vinegar, cinnamon and hand sanitiser are frequently suggested as inexpensive spider deterrents, but their effectiveness in homes isn’t established. We wouldn’t rely on them to keep spiders away.
What to do about a spider in the bath or sink
Finding a spider in the bath can be an unwelcome morning surprise, but it doesn’t mean it has climbed up through the plughole.
Spiders can slip into baths and sinks while moving around, then struggle to climb back up the smooth sides. The water-filled trap beneath a normally functioning waste pipe prevents them coming through that route.
If you’d rather avoid catching it, drape a towel over the edge so it reaches down into the bath or basin, giving the spider something to climb.
Moving a spider without touching it
If you feel comfortable doing so, place a cup or container over the spider and gently slide a stiff piece of card underneath. Keep the card against the opening while you move it.
The British Arachnological Society suggests relocating house spiders to a sheltered place such as a shed or garage, rather than putting them somewhere exposed outdoors.
If getting that close feels impossible, ask someone else to help or consider a long-handled spider catcher. Follow its instructions and handle the spider gently.
You don’t need to make your home completely free of spiders to get through autumn. Understanding why they’re more noticeable - and having a simple plan for an unexpected visitor - can make those encounters run more smoothly!
