How to Kill Cockroaches with Hedgeapples

While the oil in the fruit isn't strong enough to actually kill the insects or keep them away from a very large area, the fruit provides a natural way to keep small areas cockroach-free and may help keep the roaches from entering your house. If you have an Osage orange hedge in your yard, this old-time remedy is worth trying.

1. Cut hedgeapples in half. This exposes their oil and scent, which repel cockroaches.

2. Place hedgeapple halves in places where cockroaches congregate, such as inside cupboards and cabinets. Cockroaches like high places, so place hedgeapple halves on top of your refrigerator and in high cabinets. Placing them inside damp, dark places, like under your kitchen or bathroom sink, is another good idea.

3. Place hedgeapple halves where you have observed cockroaches entering your home: near cracks in walls, around doors and windows and under the house are good places to start.

4. Keep track of where you have placed hedgeapple halves, and replace them with fresh ones when the fruit dries out or if it starts to mold. Plan on changing the hedgeapple halves for fresh ones at least once per week.