Homemade hacks for keeping pests at bay this autumn

These easy expert tips will help keep common critters out of your home

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Autumn can bring on a desire to hunker down and start getting cosy at home. So, it’s only natural some unwanted house guests might try to get in on the act too, making their way inside our homes to shelter from the cold and damp – especially with spider mating season coming into full swing in September.

“Despite most autumn pests causing no harm to humans, they can be a nuisance and if left alone for too long, can ruin food, clothes and plants – so it’s best to deal with them on first sighting,” says Laura Marsden, a cleaning expert at Marigold.