How to Make Cayenne & Black Pepper Spray for a Garden

Homemade pepper spray is free of harmful chemicals.

Cayenne pepper and black pepper are all-natural deterrents of several insect and mammal species. Gardeners can mix their own garden deterrents using these ingredients to help keep out squirrels, beetles, aphids and other pests. Wear protective gloves when handling cayenne pepper, and do not touch your eyes or face after touching the pepper. Reapply the spray after rainfall, which will wash it away.

Things You'll Need

• 6 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid, bleach-free
• Blender
• 1 gallon hot water
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Garden sprayer

Instructions

1. Add 6 cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper, one chopped onion, 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns and 1 teaspoon of bleach-free dishwashing liquid to a blender. Add 1/2 cup water and blend until the mixture forms a thin paste.

2. Pour the mixture into a gallon of hot water and let it sit for 24 hours.

3. Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer and into the reservoir of a garden sprayer. Discard the pulp. Spray the mixture along the edges of the garden, or directly onto any plants under attack from pests.

References

• CDCG: Garden Pests & Diseases
• Organic Solutions: Control Animals In Your Garden