Most gardeners love to observe animals, but few of them want garden animals to eat their precious plants. This spray is made from capsicum peppers - effective because it contains capsaicin. To us, this substance added to food gives a spicy sensation, but for many animals (especially mammals), it is a repellent. Here's how to prepare it.
Steps
Step 1. Learn how the spray works
Chillies have a substance called capsaicin. Mammals are sensitive to capsaicin, and this gives a "stinging" sense to their taste buds and serves as an irritant. This spray is considered effective for animals such as deer, rabbits, voles, squirrels, possums, and insects.
Step 2. Take about a liter of water and put it in a pot
Step 3. Take half a cup of dried hot peppers (available at most grocery stores) and place them in the pot
Step 4. Just boil the water and chillies in the pot
Then turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Step 5. Filter the peppers and throw them away
Step 6. Put the liquid in a bottle with a diffuser
Label it so that anyone can know what it contains; it is also a good idea to add the date.
To make it stickier, it can be helpful to add a few drops of natural dish soap (no additives) to the liquid
Step 7. Spray on the plants to be protected
Always wear protective gloves and goggles before using this spray –– it can burn your skin and eyes if it gets on you and is painful. Make sure you spray the whole plant for complete protection.
- Shake before using.
- Use the spray early in the morning or in the evening –– spraying in the heat of the day could burn the plants.
- If you're not sure how more delicate plants will react to the spray, try on a small area first. Wait four days and if the plant doesn't react, using the spray on it should be OK.
- Do not spray on windy days. The spray could get dispersed, get on you, or go anywhere but the plants you are trying to protect.
- As mentioned above, do not spray near streams, lakes or ponds.
Step 8. Spray again every week for maximum benefit
Also you should apply it again after a rain.
Advice
- This spray should also be an aid in controlling dogs and cats that go to the toilet near their favorite plants.
- The spray will need to be reapplied about every week, and after it rains.
- Birds are not sensitive to capsaicin. Many birds will still eat seeds "rejected by other animals" for being treated with chili. However, it is possible that the powdered form can have adverse effects on some birds; just don't rely on it as the only and main anti-bird method.
- Fresh chillies also work. Grinding them and letting them soak for at least a day will produce the best results.
- The pepper spray will also deter some insects, such as beetles and aphids.
Warnings
- If you are spraying greens and vegetables, you will need to stop spraying when they are close to ripening, or wash them well before consuming them.
- Avoid getting the pepper spray in your eyes or on your skin. It really hurts.
- Never use the spray directly on an animal –– it is for use on plants only.
- Do not use this spray near waterways, lakes or ponds. The effect on aquatic life is unknown and the spray could harm the fish in the garden tank.
- Avoid relying on this as the only way to deter animals infesting your garden. Repair fences; keep the gates closed; keep pet food indoors to avoid easy partying; keep rubbish in closed and clean bins; fences the gardens; use bird nets and other physical barriers.
