Self Defense Sprays help in many Ways besides Protection!

I came across this article on self defense sprays and its many uses.  Great article for those who are interested in protecting their gardens!  Purchasing self defense sprays gives you many options not just for personal protection needs.  Very informational read on!

Pepper spray is a natural pesticide and an effective deterrent to many garden pests and wildlife. Hot peppers of the genus Capsicum contain capsaicin, which gives peppers the "heat" that spices up food. Capsaicin is an irritant to most mammals and thus an effective repellant. You can make your own pepper spray, ensuring that all ingredients are organic.

Safety of Pepper Spray

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has evaluated capsaicin, the compound extracted from hot peppers and used in commercial pepper sprays, for safety. It is considered a biochemical pesticide, since it is a naturally occurring compound. It repels pests without harming them, and it is acceptable as a repellant for birds, voles, deer, rabbits, squirrels and insects. Capsaicin pesticides should not be used near waterways, however, as the effects of high concentrations of capsaicin on aquatic life are unknown. Gardeners should keep even a homemade pepper spray away from natural bodies of water and koi ponds. (See References 1) Wear gloves and goggles when applying pepper spray in the garden. It is an irritant that can cause a burning sensation in the eyes and on the skin. Do not spray on windy days.

Mammals

Squirrels are garden pests that forage on seeds, flower bulbs and vegetables in both urban and rural settings. Rabbits forage on a wide range of vegetables and flowers, as do voles, or meadow mice. Deer, though lovely to observe, can be very destructive as they feed in the garden. Pepper spray can be effective against all these pests. No mammals, except humans, consume hot peppers containing capsaicin; they find contact with capsaicin irritating and will avoid it. (See References 2) Research presented at a USDA National Wildlife Research Center Symposia demonstrated that squirrels avoided sunflower hearts treated with capsaicin even when hungry. Squirrels that tasted the treated seeds seemed distressed and tried to wipe off their muzzles.

Birds

Birds can be pests in the garden, destroying ripening fruit and berries. Birds eat hot pepper seeds and have no aversion to eating garden produce sprayed with pepper spray. However, birds do find powdered peppers containing capsaicin irritating and may avoid contact with the powder. (See References 3)

Formulations

Commercial pepper sprays are available at garden centers; the active ingredient should be capsaicin. To make your own pepper spray, soak 2 tbsp. ground red pepper overnight in gallon of water. Add 6 drops of dish soap --- a natural vegetable-based soap like castile soap, not an anti-bacterial soap --- and place the mixture in a spray bottle. To make pepper spray using fresh peppers, chop 1/2 lb. hot peppers and soak overnight in a gallon of water. Add 6 drops of dish soap and put the mixture in a spray bottle. Thoroughly spray the plants, wearing goggles and gloves. (See References 4)

References

1. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Capsaicin Final Registration Review Decision; October 1, 2010
2. University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Effectiveness of Capsaicin as a Repellent to Birdseed Consumption by Gray Squirrels; 1995
3. University of Nebraska-Lincoln: Review of Bird Repellants; 1998
4. University of Florida Extension: Home Remedies for Insect and Disease Control on Plants

Resources

1. Clemson University Extension: Less Toxic Insecticides

 

About the Author

Diana Lea is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin with more than 20 years of technical writing experience. She is a certified Florida master gardener and writes extensively on gardening topics for various websites.