Stop spiders and dust mites from your bed with natural ingredients

As summer draws to a close, it unfortunately signals the arrival of one unwelcome guest - spiders. British households are far more likely to encounter the eight-legged creatures at this time of year, which is far from welcome news for those who aren't particularly fond of them.

The last thing anyone wants is for spiders or dust mites to make their way into their bed, potentially resulting in a rather unpleasant surprise when you pull back the covers. Dust mites can trigger symptoms such as skin rashes or other allergy-like reactions, but being microscopic, it can be difficult to know how to eliminate them. Fortunately, one cleaning expert has revealed a straightforward trick for banishing both of these pests using just two ingredients, previously reported by the Express.

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Lifestyle influencer Chantel Mila on TikTok, who boasts more than 1.7 million followers, says you can easily repel spiders and dust mites from your room - and your bed - by making a simple spray with just two ingredients.

In a video, she explained: "This mix is my go-to to leave your room bug-free and smelling amazing."

Even better, it only requires two household staples that you've probably already got in your cupboards - white vinegar and essential oil.

To begin, grab a spray bottle and fill it with one cup of water. Next, add half a cup of white vinegar, along with a few drops of either lavender or peppermint essential oil.

Whether you rely on it to aid sleep or have previously used it to ward off other pests, these oils are genuinely useful to keep about the house.

Give it a shake to blend the ingredients together, then spray across your bed or any other spots where you're concerned about encountering spiders. Chantel said: "This powerful mix can be used on your mattress, bedhead and bedsides to repel spiders and dust."

Spiders are widely regarded as being put off by the potent acidic scent of white vinegar, though if you dilute it with water, you can still spray it around your bed without leaving an unpleasant odour lingering.

Essential oils work in a comparable fashion, with numerous other pests - such as rats, mice and flies - also having a strong aversion to the smell of peppermint.

Alongside these two remedies, spiders are apparently no great admirer of cinnamon either. By sprinkling this aromatic spice along windowsills and doorways, you create a natural barrier against spiders, making it far less likely they will venture into your home seeking warmth and a potential mate.