Chestnuts: Secret weapon against autumn insect invasions

When the days get shorter and the air becomes cooler, uninvited guests—like insects and spiders—start appearing in our homes. Especially in autumn, when many of these creatures seek refuge from the coming winter, the problem can become more troublesome.

Fortunately, there are simple and natural ways to repel insects without the use of chemicals.

Chestnuts and their magical properties have been talked about for centuries. However, not everyone knows that placing a few chestnuts on window sills or in room corners can effectively repel insects and spiders.

They emit a characteristic, subtle scent that—although almost undetectable to us—is unpleasant for small, uninvited guests.

To enhance the effectiveness of chestnuts, it is worth making small cuts or splitting them in half, which allows more of the scent substances to be released.

This trick is most effective in autumn. Fresh chestnuts, just gathered from under the trees, emit the most scent. They can be placed in strategic locations—on window sills, in room corners, near windows and doors—everywhere insects most often try to enter our homes.

Chestnuts are great at repelling insects. Their uses don't end there.

How to use them? Chestnuts can function as a natural air freshener in your home. Their subtle forest aroma brings a pleasant freshness to the interiors. Simply place a few chestnuts in a bowl and set it in a room.

In folk medicine, chestnuts are used in the form of extracts and infusions that help treat inflammation, rheumatic pain, or swelling. Their anti-inflammatory properties have been appreciated for centuries.

Similar to insects and spiders, chestnuts can repel moths. Placing a few chestnuts in a closet can help protect clothes from these destructive pests.