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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

Osage2.jpg

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

Stephanie
19 Sep 2008, 00:09
Actually, there is some research that would suggest hedge apples do well in repelling various insects. There is a chemical in the oil extracted from the fruit called elemol, which has properties similar to DEET in repelling insects. Since DEET doesn't repel spiders, I don't see why a hedge apple would work either. But, I hate wolf spiders (huge but harmless), and our house used to be full of them. As long as I keep hedge apples around the house I don't see any. As soon as I throw the hedge apples away, they come back. Maybe they're following the bugs that are repelled by the apples...I don't care, as long as the spiders are gone.
Doug Thayer
29 Apr 2009, 10:55
What can I use to repel spiders? I live in Brazil and the spiders are a lot worse than in California. They´re bigger, more poisonous and aggressive - they will run towards you.

Are you sure that DEET doesn´t work?

Thanks
Ask the Exterminator
29 Apr 2009, 10:59
DEET is a personal repellent used on the body. Discouage spiders by frequently knocking down their webs. Exterior lights attract spiders, so limit lights by using motion sensor-activated lights.

There are tons of pesticides on the market that list spider control on the label. Google "spider control products" and you will find them.
Audie
28 May 2009, 10:26
I have heard many other home remedies also. WHat about eucalyptus plants and oils sprayed around the house? Does it really repel anything? We just moved to a new house in Kentucky and I am 100% sure we have recluses. I am trying to avoid having any pesticides in the house due to our 3 small children, but I also would hate to have any of them bitten. I have done everything every website says to do aside from pesticides, and nothing seems to work. We have gotten rid of about half of our possessions just trying not to give the little guys a place to hide...and I found 3 last night. This is crazy. Please help!!
Ask the Exterminator
28 May 2009, 13:43
It's fairly well known in our industry that once you get them getting rid of them is nearly impossible. They hide. They stay away from places humans frequent. Getting pesticides to their nests is not always possible.

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.
Paul
14 Jul 2009, 18:25
To my knowledge, the best way to actually get rid of spiders is to get rid of their food source. Like any other living creature, if there is no food available, it will leave in search for it.

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.
Ask the Exterminator
14 Jul 2009, 22:32
Insect light traps were never designed for the great outdoors. The UV light draws insects from miles around and the trap fills up. You think it's working because you have captured a bag full of insects. But, there are trillons of insects flying around us at any point in time. Trillions! So, big deal. Your light zapper trapped a couple of thousand bugs. A drop in the water.

Forget the bug zapper. Turn off outdoor lights when possible and you'll cut down on your spider population.
Brooke Skyra
28 Sep 2009, 14:31
Hi Doug,
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
Carrie - Kentucky
30 Sep 2009, 20:01
Audie, I have heard another Kentucky bug the house centipede feeds on spiders. I used to have many spiders, and somehow I was "fortunate" enough to get these creepy centipedes. The spider population seems to be quite low now. My research on the house centipede indicates they don't bite, carry disease or damage property - they just eat spiders so even though I hate seeing them, I have decided to live with them.
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