Will Walnuts Keep Spiders Away

Walnuts will not keep spiders away.
 
While this is a popular old wives’ tale, there’s no solid scientific evidence that walnuts will keep spiders away from your home.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself, “will walnuts keep spiders away?”, you’re not alone.
 
It’s a common question, especially for people looking for natural pest control solutions.
 
The idea likely comes from the fact that walnuts contain juglone, a chemical that can be toxic to some plants and insects.
 
However, spiders are not insects, and juglone doesn’t repel them.
 
So, while walnuts might not keep spiders away, there are other effective methods you can use.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why walnuts won’t keep spiders away, what actually works, and how to keep your home spider-free.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why Walnuts Won’t Keep Spiders Away

Walnuts won’t keep spiders away, and here’s why:

1. No Scientific Evidence

There is no scientific research that supports the claim that walnuts will keep spiders away.
 
Despite the folklore, no studies have shown that walnuts or walnut shells repel spiders.
 
Spiders are driven by food sources and shelter, not by the smell of walnuts.
 
So, placing walnuts around your home won’t do much to keep spiders away.
 

2. Juglone Doesn’t Affect Spiders

Walnuts contain juglone, a chemical that can be toxic to certain plants and insects.
 
But spiders are arachnids, not insects, and juglone doesn’t have the same effect on them.
 
Even if you crush walnut shells or leaves, the juglone released won’t keep spiders away.
 
Spiders simply aren’t bothered by it, so this method is ineffective.
 

3. Spiders Are Attracted to Other Things

Spiders come into homes looking for food, water, and shelter.
 
They feed on insects like flies, mosquitoes, and ants.
 
If your home has a lot of these pests, spiders will follow.
 
Walnuts won’t keep spiders away because they don’t address the real reasons spiders are there.
 
To keep spiders away, you need to eliminate their food sources and entry points.
 

4. Walnuts Might Attract Other Pests

Instead of keeping spiders away, walnuts could actually attract other pests.
 
Rodents, squirrels, and insects like beetles and moths are attracted to walnuts.
 
If you leave walnuts around your home, you might end up with a different pest problem.
 
And more pests mean more food for spiders, which could make your spider issue worse.
 

What Actually Keeps Spiders Away

If walnuts won’t keep spiders away, what will?
 
Here are some proven methods to keep spiders away from your home:

1. Seal Cracks and Gaps

Spiders enter homes through cracks, gaps, and openings.
 
Seal windows, doors, and foundation cracks to keep spiders away.
 
Use caulk or weatherstripping to close small gaps.
 
This is one of the most effective ways to prevent spiders from getting inside.
 

2. Reduce Clutter

Spiders love clutter because it provides hiding spots.
 
Keep your home tidy by reducing piles of paper, boxes, and clothes.
 
Vacuum regularly to remove webs, egg sacs, and spiders themselves.
 
Less clutter means fewer places for spiders to hide, which helps keep spiders away.
 

3. Use Essential Oils

Certain essential oils can help keep spiders away.
 
Peppermint, tea tree, lavender, and citrus oils are known to repel spiders.
 
Mix a few drops with water in a spray bottle and spray around entry points.
 
Reapply regularly, as the scent fades over time.
 
This is a natural and pleasant-smelling way to keep spiders away.
 

4. Keep Your Home Dry

Spiders are attracted to moisture.
 
Fix leaky pipes, use dehumidifiers, and ensure proper ventilation.
 
A dry home is less inviting to spiders and the insects they feed on.
 
This will help keep spiders away and make your home less appealing to other pests too.
 

5. Call a Professional

If you have a severe spider infestation, it’s best to call a professional pest control service.
 
They can identify the type of spiders you have and treat the problem effectively.
 
Professional treatments are safe and can keep spiders away long-term.
 

Common Myths About Keeping Spiders Away

There are many myths about keeping spiders away, and walnuts are just one of them.
 
Here are a few other common misconceptions:

1. Chestnuts Keep Spiders Away

Like walnuts, chestnuts are often said to keep spiders away.
 
But there’s no evidence that chestnuts repel spiders either.
 
Spiders aren’t affected by the smell or presence of chestnuts.
 

2. Citrus Peels Keep Spiders Away

Citrus peels are sometimes recommended to keep spiders away.
 
While citrus oil can repel some insects, it’s not a proven spider repellent.
 
The scent might discourage spiders temporarily, but it won’t solve the problem.
 

3. Conkers Keep Spiders Away

Conkers, the seeds of horse chestnut trees, are another popular myth.
 
Many people believe conkers will keep spiders away, but studies have shown they don’t.
 
Spiders are not deterred by conkers, so this method is ineffective.
 

So, Will Walnuts Keep Spiders Away?

Walnuts will not keep spiders away.
 
There’s no scientific evidence that walnuts repel spiders, and relying on them could leave you with a spider problem.
 
Instead, focus on proven methods like sealing cracks, reducing clutter, using essential oils, keeping your home dry, and calling a professional if needed.
 
These strategies will actually keep spiders away and help you maintain a spider-free home.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand why walnuts won’t keep spiders away and what to do instead.