How to Make Hot Pepper Wax

Hot pepper wax is commercially composed of a cayenne pepper and paraffin wax mix. It serves as an alternative to chemically based insect eliminators and repellents. Wax, however, has been known to harm plants or, at times, suffocate them. Hot pepper wax can be made easily in the kitchen without the troublesome wax that is harmful to plants. This recipe allows gardeners more control over the ingredients used, and provides freedom to create a more organic repellent by eliminating the petroleum-based paraffin wax. Create an environmentally safe repellent while keeping your plants healthy and pest-free.

Things You'll Need

• 8 to 10 hot peppers
• 3 cups water
• Pot
• Blender or food processor
• Cheesecloth or coffee filter
• One-quart container, with spray nozzle

Instructions

1. Boil the peppers. Combine eight to 10 whole hot peppers with 3 cups of water in a pot, and bring to a boil. Stir frequently, checking the mixture to make sure it does not boil over. Continue to boil the peppers until they become soft enough to fall apart as you stir the mixture.

2. Blend the pepper mixture. Transfer the peppers and all the water into a blender or food processor. Blend thoroughly until the mixture is smooth. Exercise caution and use the appliance lid during this process to avoid any injury or splashing.

3. Strain the mixture. Place cheesecloth or a coffee filter over a one-quart container. Slowly pour the pepper mixture onto the cloth or filter, allowing it to separate the pepper particles and seeds from the liquid. Discard the pulp and reserve the liquid.

4. Fill the remainder of the container with water. Spray the mixture liberally on your plants.

5. Apply the mixture to your plants every one to two weeks during the coolest part of the day to avoid burning the plants. Re-apply the mixture after rainfall.

Tips & Warnings

• If you notice the solution burning the leaves of your plant, dilute it with extra water. The degree of heat in each individual pepper can vary.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after working with hot peppers. Take care not to touch your face while handling peppers.

References

• Charles Shaner's Article on Organics
• Gardener's Corner Forum on Hot Pepper Wax
• Hot Pepper Wax Overview