Spider Repellant
Summary: Just because something is a home remedy does not mean it is not worth trying. The Osage orange is said to have terrific spider repellent attributes, but there is no science behind the claim. However, if it works for you that is all that matters.
A reader asks: I am looking for a grapefruit sized, avacado colored fruit or vegetable that is used to repel spiders. I have seen these used, but don't know where to get them?
Dear Reader: Every profession has its home remedies and people swear by them. I believe if you feel strongly enough about something and it does not hurt the environment, give it a try.
It is said that the fruit of the Osage orange tree, which is also known as a hedge apple or spider ball, can repel spiders. This theory is widespread in Midwestern states where the trees are common. Apparently, putting these aromatic hedge apples around the exterior walls of a house in the fall will keep spiders from coming inside.
Problem is there is no documented evidence that spiders are repelled by
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Osage-oranges. Spiders can be found living on Osage orange trees. You can even find spider webs right on the fallen fruit. In fact, spiders seldom show any sign of being able to detect airborne odors.
Of course, once these stories get rolling they develop neat little twists. In some versions of the story the hedge apple can repel everything from cockroaches to mosquitoes to chicken mites. Research has shown that there are chemical compounds in the fruit that repel cockroaches, although the fruit itself does not. One method that definitely works is to pick up the hedge apple and smash the offending bug with it.
Osage oranges are even said to deter mice, but we know that squirrels regularly chew through these fruits to get the tasty seeds inside. So, using the hedge apple as a rodent repellent seems pretty ineffective.
In the Pacific Northwest where Osage oranges are fairly rare, Osage oranges have been replaced with horse chestnuts. Maybe its coconuts in Florida.
Click here to watch my short video on how to keep spiders in check.
Comments
19 Sep 2008, 00:09
29 Apr 2009, 10:55
Are you sure that DEET doesn´t work?
Thanks
29 Apr 2009, 10:59
There are tons of pesticides on the market that list spider control on the label. Google "spider control products" and you will find them.
28 May 2009, 10:26
28 May 2009, 13:43
I understand your reluctance about pesticides, but the heavily toxic pesticides have been removed from the market. You can use pesticides if you carefully follow all the label instructions. It's the sloppy applications that get people in trouble. Used as a crack and crevice treatment your children will not be affected.
14 Jul 2009, 18:25
Place ant traps to get rid of ants, for example.
If you have one of those big-zapper things or an outdoor light source, move it to the farthest spot in your yard from the door. This will attract all the flying insects and, thus, the spiders away from the house.
14 Jul 2009, 22:32
Forget the bug zapper. Turn off outdoor lights when possible and you'll cut down on your spider population.
28 Sep 2009, 14:31
I have some good ideas to repel spiders. I have an uncle that lives in costa rica that deals with them & another in uncle that lives in Brazil. Please email me. thanks, Brooke Skyra from Sacramento, Ca
30 Sep 2009, 20:01