How to Make Cayenne Pepper Spray

Cayenne pepper spray is a potent organic pesticide. The smell and heat of the capsaicin in cayenne will keep away critters of all sizes. The pepper spray is made from natural ingredients so it is ideal for organic gardening. Handled with care, pepper spray may be applied around the edges of garden beds or directly onto the leaves of growing plants. So grab your rubber gloves for protection and follow these steps to make cayenne pepper spray.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rubber gloves
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Fresh cayenne peppers
• Sharp knife
• Glass jar with lid
• White vinegar
• Strainer
• Funnel
• Spray bottle
• Dish-washing liquid
• Vegetable oil

1. 
    
   Protect your hands

   Put on rubber gloves and a long sleeve shirt to protect from getting pepper juice on your skin.

2. Cut the top off of 4 fresh cayenne peppers. Discard the green stems immediately. Split the peppers in half lengthwise and chop coarsely.

3. 
    
   Glass jar with a tight lid

   Place the chopped peppers and seeds in a glass jar. Pour 1-1/2 cups of hot water into the jar. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar. Seal tightly with a screw-on or locking lid. Let the jar sit for 4 days, shaking gently 2 or 3 times a day.

4. Place a funnel into the neck of a spray bottle. Pour the pepper mix from the jar through a strainer into the bottle. Discard the strainer contents promptly.

5. 
    
   Spray bottle

   Add 1 tsp. dishwashing liquid and 3 tbsp. vegetable oil to the spray bottle. Screw the spray lid on tightly. Tip the bottle back and forth gently to mix the liquids into a light emulsion. Shake spray bottle gently before each use.

Tips & Warnings

• Label the spray bottle clearly on both sides: "Caution---Pepper Spray."
• Avoid getting cayenne peppers or pepper juice on your skin, in your eyes or in your mouth. Do not sniff or smell the peppers or pepper spray. Capsaisin, the hot component of peppers, can cause severe irritation upon contact.

Resources

• CEED Centre Society---Homemade Organic Pesticides
• Capital District Community Gardens---Garden pest control
• Mother Earth News---Guide to Organic Pesticides