Spiders can make driving a frightening experience for anyone. Even those who are not so edgy around our eight legged friends can still become startled by the sight of an unexpected guest in the car. Not only do these eight-legged creatures find their way into our vehicles, but they can even take up residence and lay eggs.
Spiders are some of the most feared creatures on the planet, so it’s easy to see why so many drivers dislike finding them in vehicles. Statistics released in the USA show that many people die in vehicle accidents every year because of a spider scaring them while they are driving. The spider sighting can make a driver swerve and can result in injuries and vehicle damage. So, what can you do to fix this problem?
Spiders like to hide in places that are warm and sheltered from the elements. Two of the best places for spiders to tuck themselves are behind your side-view mirrors and in your air vents. Other places include the places under your bonnet that are away from your engine, but that gather things like leaves. often found in the plastic coverings around the windsceen wiper motor or in the wheel arches. These areas collect dirt and leaf debris which attract spiders and other insects. These spots are perfect hiding places for spiders and allow them to hide during the day to return to their webs at night.
Now that you know where to look, go ahead and clean out those areas. You can’t get into your vents, but cleaning under your hood and behind your mirrors should be easy enough. Once you have things looking a little less homey for the crawlers, try these methods to keep them from coming back:
- Buy some peppermint or citrus oil. Spiders hate peppermint and any citrus and will avoid those areas. Spray some oil around your side view mirrors, and mix 20 drops of oil with 1.5 cups of water to spray around your vehicle like air freshener.
- To keep spiders from coming in through the air vents, swab the vents with the oil or tuck a few lemon peels between the gaps. Not only will this make your vehicle smell lovely, but it will keep the spiders from making a home in your vehicle.
- Repeat this process periodically throughout the spider seasons to keep your car free of pests.
- Note: these tips came from an American Dodge dealership website.
