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37m ago

Chestnuts and Peppermint Deter Some Spiders, German Outlets Reaffirm Oxford Study

The effect is short-lived and species-specific, serving as a preventive scent barrier rather than a way to remove spiders already inside.

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Denn Achtbeinern wird es draußen zu kalt und deswegen ziehen sie in unsere warmen Häuser.
Denn Achtbeinern wird es draußen zu kalt und deswegen ziehen sie in unsere warmen Häuser.

Overview

  • New guidance from HNA.de and Merkur.de this week revisits a 2017 Journal of Economic Entomology study from Oxford showing deterrent effects from edible chestnuts and peppermint oil.
  • Two of three tested species—the brown widow and the garden cross spider—avoided treated areas by up to roughly 75%, while the large house or “fat” spider showed no response.
  • Lemon oil was reported as ineffective in the tests, whereas peppermint oil and volatiles from edible chestnuts produced the observed deterrence.
  • Advice focuses on using edible chestnuts (Castanea sativa), not horse chestnuts, with clear caution to distinguish the species before collecting or purchasing.
  • Practical tips include piercing chestnut shells to release scent, placing them at doors, windows and corners, refreshing every two to three weeks, and pairing this with sealing gaps and cleaning.