Households across the UK are being urged to put orange peel under Christmas trees in December to deter unwanted pests. December is now just over a week away, which means households will be gearing up to start decking their halls, ready to ring in the festive season, and for many, that involves getting a real Christmas tree.
While they are a little messier than artificial trees, you just can’t beat that natural scent and look – and picking one out is a long-standing tradition for many families. But while real trees do look and smell magical once they’re adorned with twinkling lights and baubles, they can be harbouring some unwanted guests among their branches in the form of spiders.
As they grow outdoors, real Christmas trees can be home to the eight-legged creatures, and other insects and their eggs, and when brought inside the eggs often hatch when exposed to the warm temperatures. And thanks to an unusually warm summer this year, spider populations have increased, which means the critters will be looking for cosy winter hideouts.
Sophie Thorogood, pest prevention specialist at Pest-Stop, explained: “We’ve seen significantly higher insect numbers throughout 2025 due to the warm weather, which has created an increased food supply for spiders.
“With more spiders around and colder weather driving them indoors, there’s a good chance your Christmas tree could be carrying some unexpected passengers.”
To help deter spiders away from your Christmas and out of your home this winter, experts say all you need is a bit of orange peel. Spiders are very sensitive to smell and rely heavily on their senses, so strong, pungent odours – like orange peel – can overwhelm them and cause them to avoid an area.
The creepy crawlies have a particular dislike for citrus scents, so utilising strong-smelling fruits around your home is a cheap and natural way to keep them out.
Experts at Enviroliteracy explain: “Orange peels can help to repel spiders. Spiders are known to dislike strong citrus scents, and the compounds found in orange peels can be an effective, natural deterrent.
“While not a guaranteed solution for complete spider eradication, using orange peels is a low-cost and environmentally friendly way to make your home less attractive to these eight-legged visitors.
“Spiders rely heavily on their senses, particularly the tiny hairs on their legs, to detect vibrations and smells. Strong odours, like those emitted by citrus fruits, can overwhelm their senses, causing them to avoid the area.”
To make use of orange peel as a spider deterrent, simply put the peel in a bowl and place it underneath your Christmas tree this December, and the scent should help to keep spiders away.
Pest experts also recommend soaking orange peels in boiling water, along with a few drops of orange essential oil, and leaving this to stew overnight before transferring the liquid into a spray bottle. Then simply spritz the solution around your home, including on your Christmas tree, and it should help to keep spiders at bay.
Experts also advised that you give your Christmas tree a good shake outside before you bring it indoors as this will help to remove spiders, webs and eggs that may be lurking in the branches.
Experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control add: “Before bringing it inside, remember that it could be crawling with insects, including spiders. These annoying pests are commonly found on many Christmas tree varieties, including Douglas fir, Fraser fir, spruce, and white pine trees. Luckily, these spiders are usually not dangerous at all. Rather, they’re “overwinter” species, simply looking for a cosy spot to ride out the winter.
“If you suspect there are spiders, or other pests, living in your tree, it’s best to prep your tree before bringing it inside. Leave the tree in your garage for a few days, if possible, and shake the tree before you bring it in.
“Simply lifting up the tree and knocking the bottom on the ground can shake loose some of the bugs that may have made themselves at home on your tree.”
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