As autumn approaches, spiders tend to seek shelter indoors, causing anxiety for many who prefer a spider-free home. One widely shared tip on social media suggests using conkers—horse chestnut nuts—to keep spiders at bay. The belief is that conkers contain saponin, a bitter compound believed to repel these eight-legged intruders.
A woman recently shared a TikTok video showing her attempt to scatter conkers around her home to deter spiders. The video quickly gained attention, sparking a lively debate in the comments. Some users expressed curiosity, hoping the method was effective, while others strongly doubted it.
Several people pointed out the flaws in using conkers as a spider deterrent. Some noted that spiders were often found resting directly on conkers, indicating no aversion. Others cautioned about the toxicity of conkers, especially to pets like dogs, making it an unsafe option for households with animals.
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Expert insights reinforce these concerns. Fantastic Pest Control referenced a 2010 experiment by middle school students, who placed spiders in a box with areas blocked by conkers and other items. The spiders showed no fear and freely crossed the conker barrier, debunking the myth that conkers repel spiders.
Alternative spider deterrents suggested by some users include essential oils such as lavender, lemon, or peppermint, diluted in sprays to apply around living spaces. Additionally, some highlight the ecological benefit of spiders, as they naturally reduce populations of other pests.
Despite the fears and discomfort spiders may cause, conkers do not offer an effective solution. Homeowners seeking spider control should consider safer and more scientifically supported methods rather than relying on this common autumnal misconception.