Organic Pest Repellent: Make it Yourself from Hot Peppers

Organic gardeners can easily make a pest repellent from hot peppers with particularly high levels of capsaicin, such as serrano peppers or habanero peppers.

• Take one cup of hot peppers with high levels of capsaicin and coarsely chop
• Immerse in 2 cups of water for 12 to 24 hours
• Strain and place liquid in plastic spray bottle
• Refrigerate
• Use within 2 to 3 days
• Spray on immature fruits, or fruits with inedible skins, such as citrus
• Wash before eating yourself!

The capsaicin in the pepper spray deters mammals, such as squirrels, rats and rabbits, from eating fruits and vegetables, yet the animals will not be harmed.

For more gardening tips and for complete gardening information by plant and zip code, go to GardenZeus.

Other articles regarding pests and diseases:

Five DIY Remedies for Pests in the Home Garden

GardenZeus Solutions to Common Abiotic Problems with Garden Tomatoes