Spider season is back, with millions of eight-legged critters set to invade the UK during their mating season.
For those who are terrified of these creatures, it’s a nerve-wracking time, especially as spiders don’t just invade our homes but also our cars. Fear can lead to dangerous situations on the road, as model and influencer Tennessee Thresher recently discovered when she had to pull over on the motorway after spotting a spider in her car.
Sharing her experience on Snapchat, the beauty influencer told her 250K followers that she was “petrified” after seeing the spider, making sure to pull over to regain her composure.
Motorists are warned they could face fines if they react dangerously due to a spider in their car. Nationwide Vehicle Contracts’ motoring experts advise: “Spiders are an inconvenience for drivers, especially for those with severe phobias. However, ensuring safety on the roads for yourself and others around you while driving is paramount.”
They added: “Drivers can be fined up to £2,500 for reckless driving and receive up to nine penalty points, so it’s crucial not to overreact and let spiders – or any other insects – compromise your safety on the roads”.
If you’re concerned about having a risky reaction should a spider wander into your motor, there are ways to help keep them away. Keith Hawes, director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, has revealed three simple tips which could stop spiders from entering your space:
Don’t leave food in your motor
Leaving food in your car can attract bugs and unwanted spiders to your vehicle. Keeping your motor clean will help lessen the chances of spiders being attracted to your vehicle.
Ensure all food and drink products in your car are sealed, and don’t leave them for extended periods to further decrease the risk of spiders in your car.
Regularly check your car
Make sure to inspect your car for spiders, particularly hidden areas and crevices. Under child seats, beneath the sun visor, and under seat belts are common places where spiders may lurk.
Get into the habit of checking your vehicle and removing insects to minimise the risk of spiders multiplying or festering.
Use citrus products
Lastly, using citrus products inside your vehicle – like an air freshener – will deter spiders as they don’t like the smell of citrus fruits.
Rubbing lemon peels around your vehicle’s doors and windows can also help tackle the issue of unwanted bugs inside your motor.