For centuries, conkers have been linked to the idea of keeping spiders out of the house, but this old wives’ tale is often dismissed as a myth. However, some people still use this method to keep the eight-legged pest at bay by placing conkers or horse chestnuts on windowsills or in corners of rooms during autumn.
Pest experts from Fantastic Pest Control have revealed that this method may be true, but households must do one thing first for it to work. They said, “Using conkers as a natural spider deterrent is a popular method for keeping spiders at bay without relying on chemicals. Although scientific evidence on its effectiveness is limited, many people claim conkers help reduce spider activity in their homes.”
How to do it
The first step in using conkers to deter spiders is to collect fresh ones. Fantastic Pest Control advised that homeowners should use conkers that are still firm and glossy, as these are thought to be the most effective.
Once gathered, a key tip is to lightly score or pierce the surface of each conker before placing them around the home. “In this way, chemical compounds and odours, such as saponins, can be released more effectively, potentially increasing their spider-repelling properties,” said the expert.
After preparing them, position the conkers in areas where spiders are most often seen, such as along windowsills, near doorways, or in corners of rooms. Conkers can dry out and lose their potency over time.
It’s best to replace them every few weeks to maintain their effectiveness. In addition to spiders, conkers are traditionally believed to ward off other pests, including moths, lice, fleas, and ticks.
The expert stated, “While the effectiveness of conkers as a spider deterrent remains debated, they are a harmless, natural, and inexpensive method to try. Even if conkers don’t fully repel spiders, they can be part of a broader strategy to keep your home spider-free.”
Why you should still try more reliable methods
The experts admit that there has never been any conclusive proof that conkers actually work. Various experiments have been carried out to test whether conkers really have this effect.
According to Fantastic Pest Control, “In 2010, a group of middle schoolers also did an experiment that proved the statement to be just an old wives’ tale. They placed several spiders in a box, half of which is blocked with conkers and the other side with some other objects.
“When released, the spiders walked all around the box and over the two kinds of barriers, including the conkers. Thus, they proved that spiders are not afraid of conkers.”
What other natural deterrents can you use?
Pest UK recommends using other natural, strong scents to deter spiders. This includes:
- Lemons
- Limes
- Oranges
- Eucalyptus oil
- Tea tree oil
- Peppermint oil
- Vinegar
