How to Use Hot Sauce to Control Bugs on Plants

Lettuce and other plants can become the victims of insect attacks.

Some types of insects do not like hot sauce. It can either repel them or kill them when you mix it into a spray for your plants. According to Cornell University, one commercial spray made with capsaicin is effective in controlling the various species of flea beetles, moths and butterflies that produce harmful larvae. Using fresh hot peppers or powdered cayenne pepper are other options that you can try to get rid of soft-bodied insects such as aphids and mealy bugs.

Things You'll Need

• Bottled hot sauce
• Dried hot peppers
• Garlic
• Onion
• Dish soap
• Cayenne pepper
• Blender
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Peppermint leaves
• Borax

Instructions

1. Mix 1 tbsp. of a prepared hot sauce with 1 qt. of water in a spray bottle. Spray it liberally onto plants that you need to treat for destructive insects.

2. Make your own hot sauce by using this recipe from the Capital District Community Gardens in Troy, New York. Combine 1 tbsp. dried hot pepper, 6 cloves of garlic, 1 onion and 1 tsp. non-detergent dish soap with 1 gallon of hot water. Allow it to steep for up to two days. Strain it and transfer it to a spray bottle.

3. Mix equal amounts of cayenne pepper, borax and dried, crushed peppermint leaves to control ants. Sprinkle the mixture in areas where you have seen ants in your home or garden.

4. Repeat your application of hot sauce spray frequently for the highest rate of success in controlling problem insects.

Tips & Warnings

• Physical barriers are dust-based products that kill insects or repel them so they do not walk over the material. Ready-made products are available at many nurseries or online.

References

• Cornell University: Crop Management Practices
• Agriculture Solutions: Miller's Hot Sauce Animal Repellent
• Capital District Community Gardens: Garden Pests and Diseases
• Organic Data Bank: Natural Pest Control Basics Part 2