Claims abound that hedge apples around the foundation or inside the basement will repel boxelder bugs, crickets, spiders and other pests. The use of hedge apples for insect control is one of the most enduring pest management home remedies. Hedge apples do contain a compound (d-limonene), a powerful insect repellent however, it takes large amounts of the concentration to repel insects effectively. I am providing you with two pieces of information on Brown Recluse Spiders both recommend that you work with a professional to eliminate the spiders as likely the hedge apples will not repel them. Large concentrations of the compound are needed to repel insects effectively. While research at Iowa State University has found compounds (d-limonene, a powerful insect repellent) within the Osage-orange fruit that repel cockroaches, whole fruit have not been proven to repel or control insects in the home. Placement of “hedge apples” around the foundation or inside the basement is claimed to provide relief from cockroaches, spiders, boxelder bugs, and other pests. Some individuals claim the fruit controls insects in the home. The fruit is edible but not palatable, so those using if for “medicinal” purposes grind it as you suggest. Supposedly Hedge Apples have long been used as a natural remedy to detoxify the body as it is said that they are a good source of antioxidants to boost the immune system however, there is little scientific evidence of such. Hi Herman, The use of hedge apples for medicinal purposes started hundreds of years ago by Native Americans who found them growing wild along their tribes’ hunting grounds. The milky juice present in the stems and fruit of the Osage-orange can irritate the skin. 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. However, scientists also found that natural concentrations of these compounds in the fruit were too low to be an effective repellent. When concentrated, these compounds were found to repel insects. A few years ago, Iowa State University toxicologists extracted compounds from hedge apples. it is claimed that placing hedge apples around the foundation or inside the basement will repel or control insects. The belief about the use of hedge apples for insect control is widespread and persistent. The thorny trees do provide nesting and cover for wildlife. Hedge apples are not an important source of food for wildlife as most birds and animals find the fruit unpalatable. The fruit of the Osage-orange is a nuisance in the home landscape and has little value. Hi Julia, there is no scientific evidence that hedge apples repel snakes. It is also used for fence posts and furniture. Many archers consider the wood to be the finest wood for bows. It is extremely hard, heavy, tough, and durable. The most common use for hedge apples that I could find in my research was found with the wood. The milky juice present in the stems and juice may cause irritation to the skin so be cautious if you are handling them. Hedge apple, or Osage-orange, trees are not related to apples or oranges and their fruit is inedible. There is no scientific research to support hedge apples are an effective insect repellent. They put them around the foundation of their homes or in the basement to deter cockroaches, spiders, boxelder bugs and crickets. I have heard many people say hedge apples are great for pest control. Other cultivated members of the Osage-orange family include the mulberry and fig. The female trees produce 3-to-5 inch-diameter fruit which ripens in September and October and falls to the ground. The yellow-green fruit, commonly called hedge apples, is produced by the Osage-orange tree. Have you wondered where they come from and if they’re good for anything? I have! I, like many of you I’m sure, have seen what we refer to as hedge apples appearing in grocery stores, farmers markets, and garden centers recently.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |