Cayenne Pepper Caterpillar and Aphid Spray

Cayenne Pepper Caterpillar & Aphid Spray  natural insecticides, herbal to control bugs

If you are looking to reduce chemical use to control insects in your garden, cayenne pepper spray is a great organic alternative.  The spray effectively controls caterpillars and aphids.  It also works to deter rodents, groundhogs, moles and deer.

Here are 2 recipes to try.  The first one takes about 6 weeks to prepare, while the second only takes about 4 days.  You may want to try both and see which one works better for you!

Recipe #1

Ingredients

  • 1 Large Blub of Garlic or 2 Small Bulbs
  • 1 Large Onion
  • 1 Tablespoon Powdered Cayenne Pepper
  • Water

Other Materials Needed

  • Medium Sauce Pan
  • Large Spoon
  • Strainer
  • 2 - 24 ounce glass jars with lids

Steps

Roughly chop the garlic and onion including the skins

In a medium sauce pan combine onion, garlic, cayenne pepper and 6 cups of water.

  1. Bring mixture to a boil, cover and simmer 20 minutes.
  2. Using a spoon remove solids from the pan and divide between to glass jars.  Then pour the liquid into the jars.  Cool to room temperature and seal with the lid. 
  3. Store in a cool place for 6 weeks.  Strain the liquid and discard the solids.  Pour the liquid into a jar and store as before.
  4. To use, simply dilute the spray concentrate with water and apply with a spray bottle or plant sprayer.  Use 1 tablespoon of pepper mixture to 2 cups of water.

Recipe #2

Ingredients

  • 3 Tablespoons Hot Pepper Flakes (You can also use 10 fresh cayenne pepper or other hot pepper finely chopped)
  • Water
  • Dish soap

Other Materials Needed

  • Large Sauce Pan or Stock Pot
  • Strainer
  • Plastic Gallon Jug

Steps

  1. In a large pan combine 1 gallon of water and 3 tablespoons hot pepper flakes.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
  2. Remove from heat and cool.  Cover and let sit for 24 hours.
  3. Strain mixture into a gallon jug.  Discard solids.
  4. Add a few drops of dish soap.
  5. To use:  Fill sprayer with the liquid and apply where needed.

Cold prep method:  If you would prefer not to heat the mixture, combine water and hot pepper flakes in the jug or large pan.  Let mixture sit for 36 to 48 hours shaking the jug or stirring occasionally.  You only need to stain the liquid as you fill your sprayer.  Add a drop or 2 of dish soap into your sprayer and you are ready to go!

Cautions

  • Clearly label the container   
  • Be sure keep mixtures off skin and away from your eyes.
  • Keep out of reach of children 
  • Do not store near food
  • Test on plants in an inconspicuous place before treating entire garden
  • Do not store where it can be mistaken for food
  • Do not get into eyes or near sensitive areas

 

Aphids and Caterpillars not a problem for you? Herb and spice insect repellants

We have you covered.  See our chart below

Pest                           Herb or Spice Repellent

Ants                           Peppermint, Tansy, Wormwood

Asparagus Beetle      Basil and Parsley

Cabbage Looper       Dill, Eucalyptus, Garlic, Pepermint, Sage, Thyme

Japanese Beetle       Catnip, Chives, Garlic

Mole                          Castor Bean

Spider Mites              Coriander

Whitefly                     Peppermint, Thyme, Wormwood

 

 

Reference
http://oldworldgardenfarms.com/2013/07/16/how-to-battle-pests-and-insects-naturally-with-hot-pepper-and-garlic-spray-recipes-included/

Rodale's Illustrated Encyclopdia of Herbs, Rodale Press Emmaus PA