Recipe: Make Your Own Hot Pepper Animal Repellent

Recipe

This recipe yields one small batch of rodent/critter repellant or 3 to 4 32oz spray bottles.

• 1/2 Gal of White Vinegar
• 1/2 Gal of Water
• 1/2 Gal of Hot Sauce
• 1/2 lb of Cayenne Pepper Powder
• 1/4 Cup of Dawn Dish Soap

Directions

1. Mix water, white vinegar, cayenne powder, and hot sauce, and stir until smooth. Cover and let the mixture rest overnight.
2. The following day: Strain (while wearing gloves) the mixture using cheesecloth and add 1/4 cup of dish soap.
3. Using a funnel, carefully combine in a spray bottle, 1/2 with white vinegar, and fill the rest with the rodent-repellent mixture.

Using the Hot Pepper Spray

• Plants: Spray around the base of the plants you want to protect.
• Fall Displays: Spray the pumpkins, etc, and around the base.
• It will not stain the concrete, plants, or pumpkins.
• Caution: We advise you to wear gloves and a mask, especially if you’re sensitive to smells.

About This Hot Pepper Rodent Repellent

Hot pepper animal repellent is a natural deterrent to keep unwanted animals and pests away from plants and garden areas. It combines the properties of both hot peppers (capsaicin) and dish soap to create a safe, cheap, and effective repellent. Here’s how it works:

1. Capsaicin is the compound found in hot peppers that gives them heat. When animals come into contact with capsaicin, either by tasting or touching it, they experience a burning or irritating sensation. Many animals, such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels, find this sensation highly aversive and are deterred from munching on plants treated with the repellent.
   
2. Dawn Soap is the component in the repellent that acts as a sticking and coating agent. When applied to plants, the soap helps the capsaicin stick to the plants longer. This provides a longer-lasting repellent effect. Additionally, the soap acts as a physical barrier, making plants less palatable or appealing to certain pests.
   
3. Multi-purpose: The repellent can deter various pests, from insects to larger animals. For some insects, the capsaicin disrupts their feeding habits, while for larger animals, the spicy taste is enough to drive them away.
   
4. Safe & Effective: Hot pepper repellents are often favored because they’re natural and environmentally friendly. They don’t contain synthetic chemicals that might harm the environment or residual in garden produce. However, caution should still be exercised when handling and applying, as getting the repellent in one’s eyes or on sensitive skin can irritate.
   
5. Application: Spray the mixture on plants, focusing on areas where pests are problematic. Avoid spraying during the hottest parts of the day to prevent potential plant damage. Remember to wear gloves and avoid contact with eyes when applying.
   
6. Reapplication: You might need to reapply the repellent after heavy rainfall or regular watering as it can wash off. Also, those areas need treatment as plants grow and produce new leaves.

Precautions

• Always wear gloves when handling and preparing the mixture, especially if sensitive to hot peppers.
• Avoid getting the mixture in your eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Test the spray on a small portion of a plant and wait a day or two to check for any adverse reactions before spraying the entire plant.
• Store any leftover spray in the refrigerator to maintain its potency. Use it up within a week or so.