There's nothing like a good gardening session to reconnect with nature. But slipping your hand into a glove and finding a spider or small scorpion can spoil the moment, or worse: cause an unpleasant or even dangerous bite or sting.
Here are 9 simple and effective ways to prevent these unwelcome visitors from turning your gloves into a cosy home.
🧤 1. Always hang gloves up (open, facing downwards)
Reflex No. 1: never put your gloves on the ground or on a garden table. Instead, hang them up, fingers down, using a hook or clothes peg. This prevents insects from climbing on them and also encourages ventilation.
🪣 2. Use an airtight container
Do you garden regularly? Keep your gloves in a plastic bin with a lid after each use. This creates a physical barrier against spiders and other creepy crawlies. Add a sachet of dried lavender or eucalyptus inside for even more effectiveness.
🧼 3. Clean your gloves regularly
Dirty or damp gloves attract insects. Shake them out after use, then wash them if possible. Textile gloves often go in the washing machine, while leather gloves can be brushed and aired.
🪟 4. Store them indoors
If you leave your gloves in a garden shed, make sure it's watertight, clean and securely closed. Ideally, you should bring them into the house and keep them in a dry, dust-free cupboard.
🕷️ 5. Always shake before putting on
No matter how careful you are, an insect can still sneak in. The simple but essential gesture: always shake your gloves vigorously before putting them on, especially if you haven't used them for several days.
🌿 6. Use natural repellents
Certain plants or essential oils are known to repel insects. A simple cotton pad with a few drops of peppermint, lavender or citronella in the storage bin can be enough to keep spiders and scorpions away.
👚 7. Slip an old stocking or fruit bag inside your gloves
A clever anti-insect tip: slip an old stocking, thin glove or fruit net inside your gardening gloves after use. This blocks insect access while letting the air circulate.
☀️ 8. Expose them to the sun
Insects love dampness and coolness. By placing your gloves in direct sunlight for a few hours, not only will you dry them out, but you'll also make the environment hostile to small insects. However, be careful not to leave them on for too long (especially leather gloves), to prevent them from becoming damaged.
🧪 9. Store them with a little diatomaceous earth
If you've ever had spiders in your gloves, sprinkle the inside with a little diatomaceous earth (natural and non-toxic). This powdered mineral is a natural insecticide that works mechanically against parasites without harming you.
In Brief...
Garden gloves are essential tools, but if you're not careful, they can also become a haven for little creatures. With a few simple, common-sense gestures, you can avoid a lot of inconvenience - and garden more serenely.
👉 Never leave your gloves open and on the ground, always shake them out, and adopt effective tidying techniques. These gestures will quickly become habits... and save you unnecessary fright in the garden!