Tired of aphids and snails turning your plants into an all-you-can-eat buffet? Skip the toxic sprays—hot red pepper (chili or cayenne) is a natural, cheap, and fiery pest repellent that bugs absolutely hate. Here’s how to use it.
🌶️ Why It Works
- Capsaicin (the compound that makes peppers hot) burns pests’ feet and mouths—they’ll avoid your plants like fire.
- Safe for plants, pets, and pollinators (bees and butterflies aren’t bothered).
- Deters: Aphids, snails, slugs, ants, and even rabbits!
🔥 3 Easy DIY Hot Pepper Sprays
**1. Quick Fire Spray (For Immediate Results)
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp cayenne powder (or 2-3 blended fresh hot peppers)
- 1 quart water
- 1 tsp dish soap (helps it stick)
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients, let sit overnight.
- Strain (if using fresh peppers).
- Spray leaves, stems, and soil (reapply after rain).
Best for: Aphids, whiteflies, and mites.
**2. Garlic-Pepper Nuclear Option (For Stubborn Pests)
Ingredients:
- 3-4 chopped hot peppers
- 1 bulb of garlic (peeled & crushed)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp vegetable oil
Steps:
- Blend peppers + garlic + water.
- Strain, add oil, and spray.
- Warning: This one’s STRONG—wear gloves!
Best for: Snails, slugs, and cabbage worms.
**3. Dry Pepper Barrier (For Slugs & Snails)
- Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes around plant bases.
- Reapply after watering—they won’t crawl over it!
⚠️ Pro Tips
✔ Test on one leaf first (some delicate plants may react).
✔ Apply early morning or evening (sun + pepper spray can burn leaves).
✔ Store extra spray in the fridge (lasts 1-2 weeks).
Avoid spraying:
- On flower blooms (bees don’t like it).
- Right before harvesting edibles (rinse plants well).
🐌 Why This Beats Chemical Pesticides
- No harmful residues on your veggies.
- Pests don’t build resistance (unlike synthetic sprays).
- Doubles as a rabbit repellent (they hate the smell).
Final Thought:
Your spice rack isn’t just for cooking—it’s a pest-control arsenal. A little heat keeps your garden peaceful, naturally.
(P.S. If you’re handling super-hot peppers, wear gloves… unless you enjoy accidental eye burns.) 🔥🌱