How to Use Cayenne Pepper to Repel Pests Naturally

Many home remedies use simple ingredients you already have in your kitchen. They may not always work 100%, but they can save you money when they do—and they’re affordable enough to give a try!

One effective remedy is cayenne pepper spray, which can keep a variety of pests away—from insects to larger animals like raccoons. It’s safe to use on plants, making it a great choice if you have problems with rabbits, spider mites, or other garden pests.

How to Make Cayenne Pepper Spray for Plants

Creating cayenne pepper spray can be as easy or as detailed as you like. Let’s explore what cayenne does, some popular recipes, and how to apply it properly.

Why Does Cayenne Work?

Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin, which is what makes hot peppers spicy. Capsaicin causes a burning sensation, which can deter pests. Simply sprinkling ground cayenne around your trash bins can keep raccoons away by irritating their paws.

But remember: before using these sprays on your plants, test a small area to ensure the soap in the recipe won’t harm sensitive leaves.

Easy Cayenne Pepper Spray Recipe

• Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons of ground cayenne pepper (or 3-5 tablespoons of flakes)
  • 1 gallon of water
  • 1 tablespoon of dish soap (e.g., Dawn)

Mix all the ingredients together, pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and you’re done! Store it in the fridge for up to a week, but the fresher it is, the more effective it’ll be.

Hot Sauce Cayenne Spray

If you prefer using hot sauce instead of powdered pepper:

• Ingredients:
  • 8 ounces of cayenne-based hot sauce (like Frank’s Red Hot)
  • 1 gallon of water
  • 6 drops of liquid soap

Combine, pour into a spray bottle, and use it the same way. This spray may last a bit longer than the basic version, but it’s still best to use it sooner rather than later.

Cayenne Pepper Tea Spray

For a more potent recipe, you can make cayenne tea:

1. Finely chop 10 cayenne peppers (and optionally, 10 garlic cloves).
2. Simmer the peppers and garlic for 10-15 minutes.
3. Add 1 gallon of water and simmer for another 30-45 minutes.
4. Let the mixture sit covered for 24 hours.
5. Strain into a spray bottle and add 4-5 drops of liquid soap.

This tea can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 months, but it’s most effective within a few weeks.

Customizing Your Spray

You can boost your cayenne spray by adding ingredients like garlic, lemon juice, or peppermint essential oil. These extras can help target more pests, increase potency, or just make the spray smell nicer.

How to Apply Cayenne Pepper Spray

The best time to apply cayenne pepper spray is in the evening when beneficial insects are less active. Thoroughly coat the plant’s leaves (top and bottom), stems, and any fruit or veggies. Repeat applications regularly, especially after rain.

Keep in mind, while cayenne is effective, very determined pests may still nibble on treated plants. Also, birds aren’t bothered by capsaicin, so if birds are the issue, you might need to try adding other ingredients like strong-smelling oils.

With regular use, pests will learn to avoid your spicy plants and find easier food elsewhere!