Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteThatPainter is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn More
Conkers may deter some spiders under laboratory conditions, but there is no good evidence that putting them around your home will reliably keep spiders out. A 2018 study found a limited effect for two of three tested species; it did not test common UK house spiders or conkers in occupied homes. To reduce spiders getting indoors this autumn, closing windows and blocking gaps with draught excluders or insect screens is better-supported advice.
Why are spiders more noticeable in autumn?
In the UK, male house spiders become more visible in autumn as they leave their webs to search for females. They can enter through open windows and gaps beneath doors, so the seasonal increase in sightings does not necessarily mean your home has suddenly become a breeding ground.
Do conkers keep spiders away?
Not reliably, based on the evidence available. The Woodland Trust says there is no conclusive proof that conkers repel spiders. That does not mean every test has found no effect: a 2018 laboratory study reported a limited, species-specific response.
#1 Best Overall
- COMPLETE 5-PIECE BRUSH SET FOR EVERY PAINTING TASK — Includes 1 Inch Flat, 1.5 Inch Angle, 2 Inch Flat, 2 Inch Angle Stubby, and 2.5 Inch Angle brush giving you every size professional painters use daily. Get all 5 for less than the price of a single brush from hardware store brands — professional grade performance at a fraction of the cost. Perfect for walls, trim, cabinets, doors, furniture, and detailed cutting-in work on any project.
- ZERO BRISTLE LOSS — GUARANTEED BY PRECISION ADHESIVE BONDING — Every bristle is locked in place with precision-set adhesive that keeps them in the brush — not in your paint job. The coated steel ferrule provides structural support while the adhesive bond ensures clean performance on every stroke. Premium SRT synthetic filaments load more paint and release it evenly for a smooth streak-free finish on walls, ceilings, and trim. Works with latex, oil-based paint, primer, sealer, and wood stain.
- INCLUDES THE ANGLE STUBBY MOST SETS LEAVE OUT — Professional painters know the 2 Inch Angle Stubby is the go-to brush for tight cabinet interiors, window sashes, inside corners, and detailed trim where standard angle brushes are too long. Combined with the 1.5 and 2.5 inch angle sash brushes you have precision cutting-in covered at every scale — baseboards, crown molding, door casings, and ceiling lines.
- FLAT BRUSHES FOR BROAD SMOOTH COVERAGE ON ANY SURFACE — The 1 and 2 inch flat brushes deliver even coverage on walls, furniture, shelving, doors, fences, decks, and wood surfaces. Ideal for applying primers, stains, varnishes, polyurethane, and specialty coatings. Solid wood handles provide all-day comfort and control for both professional contractors and weekend DIY homeowners tackling interior or exterior painting projects.
- TRUSTED BY PROFESSIONAL PAINTERS AND CONTRACTORS NATIONWIDE — Pro Grade delivers professional-grade results at a price that makes sense for crews who go through brushes on every job. Ideal for property managers, remodeling contractors, apartment turnover crews, maintenance teams, and commercial painting operations. Backed by thousands of verified reviews from working painters. Washable and reusable for multiple projects.
What the study tested
Researchers placed female spiders in a two-choice assay to test chestnuts, mint oil and lemon oil. The three invasive species were Latrodectus geometricus, Steatoda grossa and Araneus diadematus. Chestnuts and mint oil strongly deterred settlement by L. geometricus and A. diadematus. S. grossa was less sensitive and showed only a slight tendency to avoid chestnuts. Lemon oil had no effect in the tested species. The authors concluded that chestnut and mint-oil volatiles “may be effective in deterring spider settlement” in two spider families—not that they reliably protect homes.
The study did not test common UK house spiders, conkers placed around rooms, or performance in occupied homes. Its findings therefore do not establish that conkers will keep spiders out of your house, or predict how many you might see.
Rank #2
- Great Value Pack Artist Paint Brushes: Soucolor 20 brushes in 10 sizes professional paintbrushes set — no shedding, holds paint well, cleans easily, Acrylic, watercolor, oil, gouache, Halloween pumpkin decoration & face painting, rock painting, ceramics. Fantastic high quality gifts for creative, artistic siblings to share!
- Awesome Set of Paint brushes: Professional paint brushes can cover all of your needs. The multi-purposed brushes are ideal for Watercolor, Oil, Gouache, enamel, Acrylic Painting, Body, Nail, Face Painting, Miniature, Model, Wood, Glass, Cup, Ceramic, Fine work, Art class, Craft Art Painting, DIY Art Crafts etc.
- Soft and long-lasting: The bristles are soft and strong, with nickel metal ferrules and blue wooden handles. After cleaning, the bristles will become soft and fluffy again and will not fall off.
- Easy to clean: it’s very convenient to Wash well in soap and water. Retain shape after drying. the brushes hold up very well. Nice selection to beginners and professionals. Keep them clean and they last a long time.
- Halloween Pumpkin Ceramic Crafts Supplies: A Great painting gift for family, friends, kids, girls, women, student, classmate, teacher. For using in school, travel or used in the home and office.
What about the £2 price?
The specific item and its price cannot be verified from the available evidence. Treat £2 as part of the headline’s framing, not a confirmed current price or proof that a particular product works.
What can you do to reduce spiders getting inside?
The Natural History Museum says, “As yet, nobody has invented an effective device to deter spiders.” Its practical advice is to prevent entry where possible:
Rank #3
- 【All sizes of art brushes】: The 10 sizes of multi-functional brushes have various shapes, making the mixing color easier, which is very suitable for artists, students, teenagers, children and painters at all levels. Wonderful Present ideas for friends and family who like painting!
- 【general brush set】: Professional paint brush can meet all your needs. Multifunctional brush is very suitable for watercolor, oil, gouache, acrylic painting, body, nail, face painting, miniature, model, ceramics, arts and crafts painting, etc.
- 【high quality process】: It is designed with anti falling bristles, anti-rust nickel ferrule and solid wood handle. You can use the brush to focus on the painting and always be creative.
- 【easy to maintain】: After using the brush, it is very convenient to clean the brush with warm soapy water and reshape the tip of the brush. Air dry the brush and place it on top of the top for long use.
- 【100% satisfaction guarantee - buy now】1 packs of set brushes, you can also get friendly customer service, any questions feel free to contact us, within 24 hours to help you! There is no risk in buying our paint brush kit.
- Close windows when appropriate, particularly if they have no insect screen.
- Block gaps around doors and windows with draught excluders or insect screens. The museum also mentions sealing gaps with plaster.
These measures address routes into the home rather than trying to repel a spider after it is already inside. The British Arachnological Society notes that spiders eat household insects and that homes are quickly recolonised through openings such as windows, doors, air bricks and chimneys; it is not possible to keep an area spider-free for long.
Are peppermint oil or other household remedies worth trying?
Mint oil showed an effect against two species in the same choice assay, but that is not evidence that peppermint essential oil, a homemade spray or a retail product will repel UK house spiders in a home. Lemon oil had no effect in the tested species, and the available evidence does not support peppermint tea bags as a spider repellent. A spray bottle is just a way to apply liquid, not an evidence-backed treatment.
Rank #4
- Bates paint brushes come in a convenient 6 pieces with 3 flat and 3 angled bristle styles, including (1”, 1.5”, 2”) flat and (1.5”, 2”, 2.5”) angled bristles, perfect for tackling any surface painting or staining job.
- The sturdy natural bristles of each brush are designed to hold more paint, creating a smoother finish with fewer streaks and saving you time on the job.
- The lightweight wooden handles provide extra comfort and ease during long painting processes like walls, trims, cabinets, and doors.
- These versatile brushes are ready-to-use, easy to clean, and can be reused multiple times, making them economical as well as reliable tools for any painting project.
- Bates paint brushes can be used for both oil-based paints as well as latex stains and are ideal for home or commercial projects such as decks, fences or DIY painting jobs.
If you choose a regulated pest-control product, use it only as authorised and follow its label, including precautions for people, pets and wildlife, as advised by the UK Health and Safety Executive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should you do with a spider already indoors?
If you would rather move it outside, the British Arachnological Society suggests carefully sweeping it up or using a cup and card for release. Avoid expecting any household object or scent to prevent every spider from entering.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 2 Inch Angled Paint Brush for Precision Cutting-In – Designed for clean, sharp lines around trim, baseboards, ceilings, corners, and detailed edge work. The perfect size for control and coverage.
- Value 3-Pack for Pros & DIY Projects – Includes three professional 2-inch angled sash brushes — ideal for contractors, remodelers, and homeowners tackling multiple rooms or repeat paint jobs.
- Smooth Results on Walls, Trim & Cabinets – Great for interior wall painting, cabinet edges, furniture projects, and trim work where a smooth finish and crisp control matter most.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
- Works with Latex Paint, Oil-Based Paint & Stains – Premium synthetic filaments hold more paint, reduce streaks, and provide a clean finish with latex paints, oil coatings, and wood stains.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
