It's that dreaded time of year again - spider season.

Leaving your window open a crack for some fresh air can quickly lead to an invasion of eight-legged intruders, especially if you live in an older building.

These unwelcome guests often find shelter and food sources in the cracks, gaps and holes that appear over time.

While most UK spiders are harmless, it's still unsettling to see one scurrying across your floor at night.

Fortunately, there's a simple and cost-effective solution to keep them at bay.

According to experts at Voucher Codes, this hack is incredibly effective at deterring not only spiders but also ants and other unwanted insects from invading your home this autumn. The trick lies in the fact that spiders taste with their feet.

Walking over a substance they dislike as they enter your home through windows and doors will discourage them from coming in, reports the Daily Record.

Research has shown that spiders are put off by the texture and scent of chalk. Drawing a line of chalk across your window sills can act like a personal security guard, preventing them from crawling in.

You can also draw lines around your bed, near doorways or anywhere else you want to keep spider-free. The dusty substance should be enough to send them packing.

The Works is currently selling a tub of chunky chalk sticks in various colours, perfect for blending with any interior design, for just £1, or 90p with a 10% off code from VoucherCodes.co.uk.

These chalk sticks are also available at most supermarkets, including Asda, where you can purchase a pack of jumbo chalk sticks for £1.50.

Additionally, spiders detest the smell of eucalyptus, peppermint, rosemary and citronella. Many of these scents are available in oil form, so all you need to do is add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water and apply it generously to areas where spiders and pests are likely to enter.