Do Walnut Shells Get Rid Of Spiders

Walnut shells do not get rid of spiders.
 
While walnut shells have some interesting uses around the home and garden, using them as a spider repellent isn’t one of them.
 
If you’ve been asking yourself “do walnut shells get rid of spiders?”, the short answer is no — they won’t solve your spider problem.
 
Spiders aren’t bothered by walnut shells in any scientifically proven way, and relying on them could leave you sharing your home with eight-legged guests for longer than you’d like.
 
In this post, we’ll look at why walnut shells don’t get rid of spiders, what actually works to keep them away, and how to handle a spider situation without wasting time on old wives’ tales.
 

Why Walnut Shells Don’t Get Rid of Spiders

Walnut shells don’t get rid of spiders, and here’s why this common belief falls short.
 

1. No Proven Repellent Properties

There’s no scientific evidence that walnut shells repel spiders.
 
Some people believe the smell or texture of crushed walnut shells bothers spiders, but spiders don’t have the same sensory reactions to these things that humans do.
 
Spiders rely on vibrations, air currents, and chemical cues to navigate the world, and walnut shells simply don’t send the kind of signals that would make a spider turn around and leave.
 

2. Spiders Aren’t Deterred by Texture or Scent

You might have heard that spreading walnut shells around entry points keeps spiders out.
 
But spiders walk over all kinds of rough surfaces in nature — bark, gravel, and dried leaves — without any issue.
 
Walnut shells are just another crunchy material to them.
 
As for scent, walnuts don’t produce the kind of strong, irritating compounds that some natural repellents like citrus or peppermint do.
 

3. The Myth Likely Comes from Confusion

The idea that walnut shells get rid of spiders probably comes from mixing up different pest control tips.
 
Walnut shells are sometimes used in gardening as mulch or as a natural abrasive, and people may have assumed they double as a pest deterrent.
 
But spiders aren’t insects, and their behavior doesn’t follow the same rules as ants or beetles.
 

What Actually Gets Rid of Spiders

If walnut shells won’t get rid of spiders, what will?
 
Here are some methods that actually work.
 

1. Seal Up Entry Points

The best way to get rid of spiders is to stop them from coming inside in the first place.
 
Check for gaps around windows, doors, pipes, and foundation cracks.
 
Use caulk or weather stripping to close these openings.
 
This simple step does more to get rid of spiders than any natural remedy.
 

2. Reduce Clutter and Harborage

Spiders love quiet, undisturbed areas like closets, basements, and stacks of boxes.
 
Decluttering your home removes the places spiders like to hide.
 
Vacuum regularly, especially in corners and under furniture, to eliminate both spiders and the pests they feed on.
 

3. Use Natural Repellents That Work

Some natural scents do help get rid of spiders.
 
Peppermint oil, citrus, vinegar, and cinnamon are known to bother spiders more than walnut shells ever could.
 
Mix a few drops of peppermint oil with water in a spray bottle and spritz it around windows and doorways.
 
Reapply every few days for the best results.
 

4. Call a Professional When Needed

If spiders keep coming back despite your efforts, it might be time to call a pest control professional.
 
They can identify the type of spiders you’re dealing with and treat the problem at its source.
 
This is especially important if you’re seeing venomous species like black widows or brown recluses.
 

Walnut Shells vs. Other Natural Spider Remedies

Walnut shells don’t get rid of spiders, but how do they compare to other natural methods?
 

1. Walnut Shells Are Better for Gardening

Instead of using walnut shells to get rid of spiders, put them to work in your garden.
 
They make excellent mulch, help with drainage, and can be used as a natural abrasive for cleaning.
 
Just don’t expect them to do anything about spiders.
 

2. Essential Oils Outperform Walnut Shells

Essential oils like peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus are far more effective at getting rid of spiders.
 
Walnut shells don’t come close when it comes to repelling these pests.
 

3. Diatomaceous Earth Is Another Option

Food-grade diatomaceous earth can help get rid of spiders when sprinkled in cracks and along baseboards.
 
It works by damaging the spider’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and death.
 
Walnut shells don’t have this kind of effect.
 

So, Do Walnut Shells Get Rid of Spiders?

Walnut shells do not get rid of spiders, and relying on them will likely leave you disappointed.
 
There’s no scientific basis for the claim, and spiders simply aren’t affected by walnut shells the way some people believe.
 
If you want to get rid of spiders, focus on sealing entry points, reducing clutter, using proven natural repellents, and calling a professional when needed.
 
Save your walnut shells for the garden, where they actually do some good.