Are Hedge Apples Good For Spiders?
WouterA question many people have is whether or not hedge apples are good for spiders. They’re a curious fruit, and there’s a lot of folklore surrounding its pest-repelling properties.
The truth is that the Osage-orange fruit has never been proven to be a good insect repellent. However, it has been marketed as one. It’s a large, green, nubby fruit that is sometimes called a “hedge apple” or “spider ball.” It’s found in USDA plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Hedge apples aren’t poisonous, but they do contain a milky juice. This juice is irritating to sensitive skin, and it may even cause eczema. Some experts warn against using the fruit as a repellent.
Although the Osage-orange tree’s fruit doesn’t seem to have any real effects, its wood is a prized possession among Native Americans. To prevent the release of gases, the tree’s fruit is stuffed into drawers, the insides of closets, and other locations.
Hedge apples aren’t a safe way to keep spiders away, though. If you use them to repel bugs, you’ll have to wear protective clothing and gloves. Also, the liquid in the fruit may be unpleasant to drink, and the fruit itself rots in less than six months.
If you want to try a hedge apple repellent, you’ll need to crush or slice the fruit. You’ll need two or three slices per area. In a cooler area, you’ll have about two to three months of protection.
Before trying this method, be sure to check the trim around your home and doors. If you notice a consistent presence of spiders, you might need to change the trim on your doors or check the screens in your windows.
