Chili pepper
repellents may deter or kill pests.
Many commercial farms and backyard vegetable gardeners employ harsh chemicals to deter insects from munching on their crops. But substances like chili pepper and garlic may also effectively repel and kill insects and pests without posing a threat to human health. Many organic farmers use sprays with these substances, which do not hurt plants, as a safe mode of pest prevention. Does this Spark an idea?
Application
Many recipes are available for garlic and pepper sprays that are used as repellents. Such pesticide solutions are purported to work through their strong flavor or aroma, which blocks the enticing scent of the plants and turns bugs away. Although the substances themselves will not harm the foliage or fruit of plants, they can kill or deter beneficial insects. Chili pepper and garlic are safe for use on edible plants and will not impart a smell or flavor to crops at harvest time.
Effectiveness
Many gardeners and farmers purport that garlic and chili pepper sprays can effectively deter and insects and protect crops, although few scientific studies prove this. A study conducted by the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station compared use of garlic juice and red pepper powder with synthetic pesticides and found that the organic alternatives protected sufficiently against worm pests on cabbage and lettuce. Many master gardeners claim that concentrations of chili pepper can kill insects on contact, while garlic may repel pests with its strong aroma. The applications are also claimed to work against larger animals such as deer.
Application
Apply garlic and chili pepper sprays to plants regularly by spraying on tops and bottoms of foliage as needed, reapplying after rain. Use organic pesticides such as these when pests are taking over a crop to avoid the environmental and health effects of synthetic pesticides. Chili pepper and garlic are common options because they are detested by pests but are not harmful to humans.
Tips
Take care with oil-based sprays, which can stick effectively to plant surfaces but may harm plants under certain conditions. If plants are exposed to heat over 90 F, are water-stressed or are in humid conditions, soaps and oil sprays can damage them. Apply a solid coat to tops and bottoms of plants to ensure coverage.
To make a garlic or chili pepper application, blend garlic or chili and soak overnight in water, using more water for a weaker spray or less for a stronger concentration.
Tags: garlic chili, chili pepper, garlic chili pepper, pepper sprays, Chili pepper, chili pepper