Squirrels can be quite a nuisance once they discover a place with an abundant and ever-flowing source of food. A majority of people struggle with finding a natural repellant that can ward off these furry friends without lethally hurting them. Cayenne pepper spray for squirrels is one of these products that has gained popularity among gardeners and people living around squirrel habitats.
Initially gardeners used normal pepper to deter squirrels from invading their backyards. However, it was soon discovered that a more specific kind; cayenne pepper worked even better and since then it’s been the most used natural repellent against squirrels. This article discusses how cayenne pepper works against squirrels and how to make it easily at home.
Pepper Spray to Deter Squirrels
As is with a majority of other peppers, cayenne pepper works wonderfully in deterring squirrels and ensuring they don’t come back. The reason for the efficacy of this pepper is the smell. Hot pepper spray for squirrels contains a component called Capsaicin. This is the chemical that is responsible for the burning, hot sensation of chili pepper.
Squirrels are known to have a strong sense of smell. Therefore, once they taste or smell the spice produced by the Capsaicin in hot pepper, it keeps them away. Placing hot pepper in areas where squirrels often visit ensures they are no longer interested in coming. Cayenne pepper is more effective than any other kind of pepper since it’s spicier-smelling.
How to Use Pepper Spray to Get Rid of Squirrels
Using cayenne pepper spray to deter squirrels is an easy process that only requires you to do either of these two things;
1. Using Ground Cayenne Pepper
One way you can deter squirrels is by sprinkling ground cayenne pepper on the floor or on seeds or flakes that the squirrels are likely to be attracted to. Although sprinkling these areas with pepper is effective, it only works short term and only keeps them away from the small area that you have sprayed.
Another disadvantage of using this method is that the cayenne pepper wears off when it rains. This means that every time it rains, you will be forced to reapply it since the smell is now diluted and does not affect the squirrels anymore.
2. Using Cayenne Pepper Spray
Out of the two methods, using cayenne pepper spray is the most effective and reliable way to use pepper spray to deter squirrels. Cayenne pepper spray is the best pepper spray for squirrels. This type of pepper spray is easy to make at home and you will only need to mix the pepper with a gallon of water into a spritz bottle.
You must ensure that you test out this spray on a section of your plants so as to determine whether it’s fully diluted. If after a few hours there has been no damage to your plants, you can proceed to use the rest of your cayenne pepper spray on other plants.
Pepper Spray Recipe for Squirrels
Creating your own squirrel spray is one thing you must consider once you notice these annoying critters around your yard. Although they look innocent, these animals can cause a whole lot of damage to your home foundation and your garden. Therefore, it’s essential to work quickly and effectively to ensure that they do not continue to cause any damage.
We have already established that pepper is one of the most effective ways of deterring squirrels. This is because of its strong, burning smell that squirrels absolutely hate. Cayenne pepper is a stronger kind of pepper and is therefore more effective.
To make an easy DIY cayenne pepper spray, start by mixing one bottle or bowl of cayenne peppers with about a gallon of water. Continue diluting the pepper until it reaches a reasonable amount and pungency. Once you are satisfied with the results, pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Proceed to use this mixture on a selected section of your garden and leave it to rest. Come back after a few hours and check whether there has been any damage on the plants. In case there is then that means that the mixture is not fully diluted and needs more water. Once fully diluted, use it on the rest of your garden.
Conclusion
Pepper spray was originally designed for animals. Squirrels are innocent-looking and you might assume that they are harmless. However, these animals can cause severe, irreversible damage to your garden and home. For this reason, you need a way to deter them.
The most effective way to do this is by using cayenne pepper spray. This is a kind of spray made from cayenne peppers which are hotter than most peppers making them more effective. You can easily make this spray at home without any hassle and use it on all the places you deem fit.
Written by: Georgina Njoki
Freelance Copywriter and Travel Enthusiast.
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