Do Walnut Shells Get Rid Of Spiders

Walnut shells can help get rid of spiders, but they aren’t a magical one-and-done solution.
 
If you’ve been wondering do walnut shells get rid of spiders, the short answer is that they can play a role in repelling them, especially when used as a barrier or sprinkled in problem areas.
 
The idea is that the rough, abrasive texture of crushed walnut shells irritates spiders and makes them think twice about crossing.
 
Some people also believe the natural compounds in walnut shells are unpleasant to spiders, which adds to the repellent effect.
 
So while walnut shells won’t wipe out an entire spider population overnight, they can absolutely be part of your strategy to get rid of spiders naturally.
 
In this post, we’ll look at how walnut shells get rid of spiders, how to use them properly, and where they fall short so you can decide if this hack is worth trying.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Do Walnut Shells Get Rid of Spiders?

Do walnut shells get rid of spiders?
 
Yes, they can help, and here’s why they work as a natural spider deterrent.
 

1. The Abrasive Texture Puts Spiders Off

Spiders are sensitive creatures, and they rely heavily on touch and vibration to move around.
 
Crushed walnut shells have a rough, jagged texture that feels uncomfortable for spiders to walk across.
 
When a spider encounters a layer of walnut shells, it usually turns around rather than pushing through.
 
This is one of the main reasons walnut shells get rid of spiders in entryways, windowsills, and garden beds.
 

2. Walnut Shells Disrupt Spider Habitats

Spiders love dark, undisturbed corners where they can build webs and hide.
 
Sprinkling walnut shells in those spots changes the environment and makes it less inviting.
 
The shells create an uneven surface that’s hard for spiders to navigate, so they move on to find a better home.
 
This is why walnut shells can gradually get rid of spiders in basements, garages, and crawl spaces.
 

3. Natural Compounds May Repel Spiders

Walnut shells contain juglone, a natural compound that’s known to be toxic to some plants and insects.
 
While research on spiders specifically is limited, many gardeners report that walnut shells keep spiders and other pests away.
 
The scent and chemical makeup of the shells seem to be unpleasant to spiders, which adds to the repellent effect.
 
So if you’re looking for a natural way to get rid of spiders, walnut shells are worth a shot.
 

4. They Act as a Physical Barrier

One of the simplest ways walnut shells get rid of spiders is by creating a physical barrier.
 
If you line the perimeter of your home or garden with crushed walnut shells, spiders have a harder time getting inside.
 
This works especially well around doors, windows, and foundation cracks where spiders typically enter.
 
It’s not a perfect seal, but it does reduce the number of spiders that make it through.
 

How to Use Walnut Shells to Get Rid of Spiders

Now that you know walnut shells can get rid of spiders, here’s how to actually put them to work.
 

1. Use Crushed Walnut Shells, Not Whole Ones

Whole walnut shells are too big and smooth to bother a spider.
 
You want crushed or ground walnut shells, which have the rough, gritty texture that spiders hate.
 
You can buy crushed walnut shells online or at garden centers, or crush your own if you have a supply.
 

2. Sprinkle Them in Problem Areas

Focus on the places where you’ve seen spiders or their webs.
 
Sprinkle a thin layer of crushed walnut shells along baseboards, windowsills, doorways, and corners.
 
You can also spread them around the outside of your home to create a barrier.
 
Reapply every few weeks or after heavy rain to keep the barrier effective.
 

3. Combine with Other Spider Control Methods

Walnut shells work best as part of a bigger plan.
 
Pair them with regular cleaning, sealing cracks, and reducing clutter where spiders like to hide.
 
You can also use essential oils like peppermint or citrus, which are known to get rid of spiders.
 
The more deterrents you stack, the harder it is for spiders to stick around.
 

4. Keep Walnut Shells Dry

Moisture can make walnut shells less effective and even cause mold.
 
Keep them in dry areas and replace them if they get damp.
 
This is especially important if you’re using them in basements or other humid spots.
 

5. Don’t Rely on Walnut Shells Alone for Infestations

If you’re dealing with a serious spider problem, walnut shells won’t be enough on their own.
 
You may need to call a pest control professional or use stronger methods to get rid of spiders for good.
 
Walnut shells are a helpful tool, but they’re not a cure-all.
 

So, Do Walnut Shells Get Rid of Spiders?

Walnut shells can get rid of spiders to some degree, mostly by creating an abrasive barrier and disrupting their habitats.
 
They’re a natural, low-cost option that fits well into a broader pest control strategy.
 
Just don’t expect them to solve a major infestation by themselves.
 
Use crushed walnut shells in problem areas, keep them dry, and combine them with other methods for the best results.
 
With a little patience, walnut shells can help you get rid of spiders and keep them from coming back.