These are poor bug repellents

Q. Will hedge apples really get rid of spiders in my home? If so, how should I use them?

Natalie from Salem

A. The tree Natalie is asking about is called Osage orange or hedge apple (Maclura pomifera). It is common in zones 5-9 and as the common name implies, it has a large fruit the size of an apple or orange. Many are as large as grapefruits.

It was used by Native Americans for many things. Farmers prize it for fence posts, as the wood is strong and resists rot. They also curse it, for livestock can choke on the fruit.

Rumors abound regarding the insect and spider-repelling properties of these fruits. Despite many testimonials, there is no current research data that confirms or explains its effectiveness. Even still, many people claim that placing hedge apples around the foundation of the home or inside the basement will repel or control insects.

A few years ago, Iowa State University toxicologists extracted compounds from hedge apples. When concentrated, these compounds were found to repel insects. But scientists also found that natural concentrations of these compounds in the fruit were too low to be an effective repellent. In fact, they state, “In large or open spaces there is so much air movement that whatever small amount of repellent chemical may be present, it quickly dissipated.” So, don’t be fooled into spending much to use hedge apples as an insect repellent.

If you decide to pick hedge apples to check out the repellency yourself or to use the fruit as a fall decoration, it would be wise to wear gloves. The milky juice present in the stems and fruit of the Osage orange can irritate the skin. Some people can develop dermatitis if the milky sap contacts their skin.

As a tree, this is a good choice if you do not live in the city or suburbs. The branches are thorny and the amount of fruit covering the yard can be quite a nuisance.

To learn more about myths surrounding this tree, go to go.osu.edu/hedgeapple.

To learn more about the tree, go to go.osu.edu/osagetree.

Eric Barrett is OSU Extension educator for agriculture and natural resources in Mahoning County. Call the office plant and pest clinic at 330-533-5538 to submit your questions. Regular clinic hours are 9 a.m. to noon Mondays and Thursdays.