People have believed for centuries that a walnut tree can help drive away or keep mosquitoes away. But is it really the case that planting a walnut tree in your own garden will keep you safe from unpleasant insects? Our guide explains things!
Does a walnut tree help against mosquitoes?
A walnut tree can partially keep mosquitoes away because its exhalations and ingredients, such as essential oils, are found unpleasant by these insects. However, the effect is not always 100 percent guaranteed.
An old farmer's wisdom
Basically, the assumption that walnut trees keep mosquitoes away is an old farmer's saying. If you look at the relatively special ingredients of the walnut, it quickly becomes clear that there is a lot to this wisdom.
It's actually clear: why else would people have been so determined to plant a walnut on their farms near manure and compost heaps?! It is the vapors that not only repel mosquitoes, but also blowflies and horseflies.
In addition to the advantages as a “fortress” against mosquitoes and other insects, walnut trees also gave them rich harvests of delicious and he althy walnuts. Putting all of this together, you can easily imagine why walnut trees were as popular in the past as they are today.
Walnut always effective against mosquitoes?
Some people report that, despite having a walnut tree, their garden is heavily frequented by mosquitoes. It would therefore be foolish to interpret the walnut as a panacea against these annoying buzzing insects.
In short, insect protection through a walnut tree does not always work 100 percent.
Note: When planting a walnut, also note that the tree does not tolerate competition. The reason for this is that the leaves contain tannins and release juglone when they decay. The latter has been proven to have a strong inhibiting effect on the germination and growth of other plants. This means that a walnut wants to stand on its own – in every respect.
Tips for using walnuts against mosquitoes
- Place your garden bench or set of garden furniture near your walnut tree, if you have one. This usually saves you from itchy mosquito bites.
- Crush some leaves of a walnut tree and rub the result on your arms. The essential oils in the leaves make it more likely that mosquitoes will not fly at you.
- Lay out walnut branches on your balcony or terrace. The distinctive scent of it keeps the pests away quite reliably.
