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Introduction
Tired of seeing your precious plants chewed up by snails or infested with tiny aphids? While chemical pesticides can be effective, they often come with risks to your health, pets, and the environment. Fortunately, nature provides its own defense mechanisms. One of the most effective and eco-friendly solutions is a homemade hot red pepper spray. This spicy concoction creates an unwelcoming environment for soft-bodied pests like aphids and slugs—without harming beneficial insects or your garden.
Ingredients
4–5 fresh hot red chili peppers (or 2 tablespoons of dried red pepper flakes)
1 quart (4 cups) of water
1 tablespoon of liquid dish soap (mild, biodegradable preferred)
1 teaspoon of vegetable oil (optional, for better adherence to leaves)
Directions
Blend the Peppers: Roughly chop the chili peppers and blend them with half the water until you get a smooth mixture.
Boil the Mixture: Pour the pepper blend into a pot and add the remaining water. Bring to a gentle boil for about 5 minutes.
Strain and Cool: Let the mixture cool, then strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles.
Add Soap and Oil: Stir in the liquid dish soap and vegetable oil. These help the spray stick to plant leaves and increase effectiveness.
Transfer to Spray Bottle: Pour the liquid into a clean spray bottle using a funnel. Shake gently before use.
Serving and Storage Tips
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