The Osage orange (Maclura pomifera), also known as hedge apple, is a bumpy fruit that grows in the Great Plains. Many people believe that the Osage orange can be used to keep insects out of homes, but the evidence for its effectiveness is mixed. Does this Spark an idea?
History
One folk remedy claims that placing an Osage orange in your house will keep away insects such as cockroaches. However, research at the University of Iowa suggests that while the fruit does have bug repelling properties, simply placing an Osage orange in your house will do nothing to ward off critters.
Function
Osage orange oil contains chemicals known as sesquiterpenoid components, which are part of a group called terpenoids. Terpenoids give scents and flavors to ginger, cinnamon, cloves and menthol.
Fun Fact
Iowa State researchers have obtained a patent to use sesquiterpenoid components from the Osage orange as a natural insect repellent, according to the University of Illinois.
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