Two years ago I planted quite a few annuals, particularly impatiens, which I love. Within 10 days, nearly all of them had been munched right down to the ground. GRRR!
Then I heard a tip and tried it when I replanted all the flowers. I scattered garlic powder and red pepper flakes throughout the bed and no more herbivore carnage! I have moles, gophers and even woodchucks in both my yard and in a large field across the street. Who knows which of the critters were using my garden as a salad bar, but they sure didn't like the seasonings I used.
Pick some up at the Dollar Store for super low prices, and keep in mind that this is organic and non-fatal. It's just a repellent.
I used to suggest this very same thing here on ThriftyFun (it does work!) But then I read a post about cats & dogs getting the hot peppers into their eyes & digging their eyes out because of the pain (all t takes is a little wind!) because of the hot peppers.
I guess it's fine as long as you don't have a curious neighborhood cat or a pet dog that may wander into your garden. I know my cat occasionally goes into the neighbors yard. It would be a bummer if he was blinded by something like this. If you're gonna do it anyway, I think it may work better if you bought pepper spray & sprayed it directly on to the plants. But I know I'll never use hot peppers again in my garden because I love my cat (& the other neighborhood cats as well).
My cat got rid of my large population of moles & he keeps the bunnies away as well. An outdoor cat might be a better way to go. One rescued from a shelter. You can also buy garlic in a liquid form. spray this directly on to the plants & it keeps the bugs from eating your plants as well!
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Tip: Red Pepper as a Pest Deterrent (06/30/2009)
Sprinkle red pepper around your plants and the cats, squirrels, mice, etc. won't go near them.
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Tip: Red Pepper as a Pest Deterrent
Archived on 06/30/2009
Sprinkle red pepper around your plants and the cats, squirrels, mice, etc. won't go near them.
By Susan from Gloversville, NY
Feedback:
RE: Red Pepper as a Pest Deterrent
Yep, Cayenne is the best. This is the ONE time that the dollar store herbs don't matter. (02/06/2007)
I love this one and will try it today! I've always had trouble with mice being by a gully. Thanks! HUGS (02/07/2007)
By Judy
RE: Red Pepper as a Pest Deterrent
Cayenne and even curry powder ("hot" spices) are also very good for keeping ants away. Sprinkle under doorsills every 3 - 4 weeks. Cheers, Rose Anne (02/07/2007)
