Kenneth Glad
As the seasons change, many households notice a sudden influx of unwanted visitors taking shelter indoors. Most people focus their cleaning efforts on floors and dusty corners. Yet pest experts warn that a prime hiding spot is dangling right in front of our eyes.
September triggers a massive shift in arachnid behaviour. Falling temperatures outside send creatures scrambling for warmer territory inside our living spaces.
According to the Daily Express, autumn represents peak breeding time for arachnids. Male spiders leave their usual outdoor webs and roam wildly in search of mates.
Most homeowners expect to spot these creepy crawlies dashing across the living room rug. Spotting a dark shape moving near the skirting boards is a standard seasonal scare.
A perfect sanctuary
But pest professionals point to a completely different area where these bugs prefer to settle down. Photographs and artwork hanging in the hallway offer an ideal microclimate.
The slender void caught between the back of a canvas and the plasterwork creates a highly secure environment. It stays consistently warm, and the area rarely sees any disruption from regular vacuuming.
Julia Kindermann serves as a manager and print industry expert at Custtom, a company that specializes in custom photo printing and framed artwork. She recently discussed this common household oversight in an interview with the British newspaper.
“It’s such an easy bit to forget, but giving the back of your frames a dusting every few weeks makes a real difference, not just the wall in front of them,” she explained.
Checking the hardware
Homeowners should regularly inspect the metal clips and adhesive strips securing their decorations. Keeping the artwork completely flat against the plaster prevents pests from finding a comfortable pocket.
“Once a gap opens up, that’s exactly the kind of spot a spider will move into,” Kindermann told the publication. “It has nothing to do with the photo itself. It’s just dark and quiet back there, which is exactly what they’re after.”
Moisture in bathrooms or kitchens also poses a secondary risk over time. High humidity frequently causes timber backing boards to warp slightly out of shape.
A bent canvas creates a natural wedge. This opening gives passing insects and arachnids immediate access to a safe breeding ground.
Keeping them out
Maintaining a bug-free gallery wall does not require tearing down your entire display. A quick visual sweep paired with a dry cloth works wonders.
“Taking a print down completely is rarely needed,” Kindermann advised the Daily Express. “A quick check and a light dusting every so often is usually all it takes to keep spiders from making themselves at home.”
By adding this brief step to your regular cleaning routine, you protect both your precious memories and your peace of mind. The simple fix takes just moments.
Source: Daily Express
