Recipe for Garden Pest Repellent Pepper Spray

Homemade plant pepper spray is a DIY remedy against garden pests. Most of those recipes have dish soap or some oil added to the mixture. In this way, pepper spray could be effective against the eggs of insects because the film of soap or oil will prevent the eggs from breathing, thus killing them. There is also an oil present in hot peppers that further helps the effect.

However, is that insects don’t have the receptors to feel this heat. The element behind the burning sensation caused by hot peppers is called Capsaicin. Capsaicin is hydrophobic and colourless, and it has a highly pungent smell and taste. Those are related to its effectiveness against mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits, stray cats and others.

If your goal is to treat insect infestation in your garden, you shouldn’t rely on using pepper spray alone because there are other remedies, like neem oil garden spray that will prove far more effective against insects.

You will find this useful if:

• You are looking for natural pesticides;
• You have rodents or other pests in your garden;
• Your neighbours’ pets are ruining your plants;

How to make organic pepper spray for plants

You can protect your plants from insects by using organic pest repellents without covering them with harmful chemicals.

It is possible to buy organic pepper sprays for plants, but you can also make your own. Depending on the concentration of capsicum in the formula, you can target specific pests or provide an overall deterrent to all intruders. You can protect your garden plants from insects and animals with a good pepper spray formula.

Garden pepper spray ingredients:

• Black pepper – 1 tablespoon;
• Chilli powder – 1 tablespoon;
• A couple of hot peppers – 2 or 3;
• Vegetable oil – 2 tablespoons;

How to prepare your homemade pepper spray

1. Put the chilli peppers into a blender together with the vegetable oil and the spices. Puree the ingredients for a couple of seconds.
2. Store the puree for at least 12 hours in the refrigerator. This will increase the effectiveness and potency of Capsaicin.
3. Afterwards, you can transfer the puree into a bigger container and add hot water.
4. Stir the mixture well and be careful, as it might irritate your eyes, mouth and nose.
5. Strain it through a sieve or a piece of cloth. There shouldn’t be any pieces which can clog your sprayer’s nozzle.
6. Label the bottle with the date and store it in the refrigerator until you need it.

How to apply your homemade pepper spray on your plants

You should use the spray in the evening when the sun is not as strong. Take your garden sprayer and coat the foliage of the plants. You can spray the mixture on the bark of fruit trees to stop rabbits from chewing on them, as well.

Be extra careful while spraying. If the pepper spray gets into your eyes, they will burn like hell. Wear gloves when working with the spray. A pair of glasses wouldn’t hurt.

Re-apply the mixture once or twice a week. If there was rain the previous day, you should spray your plants afterwards.

You can test DIY pesticide to treat your plants. However, you should be more thorough when it comes to your home. If you suspect that your property is under attack by pests, it is best to call in a professional. Benefit from an inspection, at least. Giving the critters enough time to settle in will only make it harder and more expensive to get rid of them later on.

Takeaways

• Neem oil garden spray is more effective against insects;
• Use pepper spray against birds and mammals instead;
• Dont touch your face after using the pepper spray;

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Have you tried homemade pesticides before? Were they effective? Where and how have you applied them? Share your experience with us in the comment section!