Did you see a parrot eating red chili so comfortably? That’s an exciting fact linked with peppers’ insect repelling property. Here we will discuss cayenne pepper and its effectiveness to repel spiders.
Keep reading to know how it works, how to use it, and many more tips to repel spiders with cayenne pepper.
Does cayenne pepper repel spiders?
Cayenne pepper is a practical, environment-friendly, non-toxic agent to repel spiders. It also repels ants, termites, and some animals too. Cayenne paper block insects’ nerves and irritate them. Effects of cayenne pepper last for a few weeks outside.
Table of Contents
Cayenne pepper is one of the best defenses against pests, including spiders, ants, grasshoppers, termites, cats, dogs, deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Cayenne pepper is a versatile agent to deter various pests in households and gardens.
So, why should you use cayenne pepper to stop spiders? There are many other peppers out there. All pepper can be more or less effective, depending on its spice level.
Cayenne pepper has a high to mid spice level and is easy to find. The Scoville rating of cayenne pepper is 30,000 to 50,000 heat units.
The chili that has more capsaicin in it, the hotter it feels. Capsaicin is a naturally produced insect repellant and has no side effects on the environment.
So, by spraying or sprinkling cayenne pepper in different spots in your home, you can stop poisonous spiders (or any spiders) from coming inside your home.
The cayenne pepper can be applied as a powder or mixed with water and soap. But if you have whole cayenne pepper, you will have to smash it before using it.
Do spiders like or dislike cayenne pepper?
Spiders strongly dislike the smell of pepper. They never go near something that has a capsaicin smell. Cayenne peppers are strong enough to deter the bugs even before they touch the line.
The capsaicin in the cayenne chili has very irritating effects on spiders and other bugs. Small capsaicin molecules enter their bodies and create a harrowing situation for them.
Anything that has a strong smell is effective on spiders and bugs. Strong odors reduce the sensing power of spiders.
Cayenne peppers have the same strong smell and capsaicin effect on them.
Why do spiders dislike cayenne pepper?
Cayenne pepper has a higher amount of capsaicin, which is very effective for repelling spiders, bugs, and animals. Let’s learn from the start.
Every plant wants to save its seeds and fruits from predators. It may let some animals eat its fruit to spread the seeds.
Now come to chili plants. Insects are vectors of fungus which can destroy chili. So, chili plants started producing capsaicin to protect chilies from insect infection.
So as you can see, the spices are a result of evolution and exist to protect the fruit from insects. It is an effective defense against animals like deer, rabbits, and others.
The plant does not want animals to eat the chili as their advanced digestive system breaks down the seed, which does not help them spread seeds far away.
Did you remember about the parrot I mentioned at first? Capsaicin has no effects on birds. Capsaicin does not reach their pain receptors. When a bird eats chill, it can’t digest the seed and helps to grow many new trees.
So, it was a quick overview of why spiders, bugs, and other animals dislike it.
Does cayenne pepper hurt spiders?
Cayenne pepper may hurt some spiders, but it protects an area from spiders or repels them. It is not used to perish or hurt spiders.
The cayenne pepper makes their nerves weak for some moment or can damage if they stay longer near cayenne pepper. Pepper can also break their cell membrane and cause different sensing problems.
How does pepper get inside their body? Spiders have small organs called the trachea. It combines the number of tiny holes they use to breathe.
When they come closer to something with a strong smell, the smell particles get inside their respiratory system, which causes severe irritation.
Cayenne pepper can even hurt you if you don’t wear gloves, masks, and protective eyeglass while applying. Do not apply it in the wind, and don’t try to smell it from close.
How to get rid of spiders with cayenne pepper?
You can use cayenne pepper to repel and protect your home and garden from spiders. Although, spiders can control various pests in your garden. But if there are venomous spiders like the brown recluse and black widow, you may want to get rid of them.
Here are some tips you can follow to repel spiders using cayenne pepper.
Look for the hiding spots:
To get rid of spiders using cayenne peppers, you should apply them in the hiding spots of the spiders. If you start by making a protective border for cayenne spiders, the spiders can get stuck inside your house.
Apply in every hidden spot in your home where spiders can get out and in. Apply under the bed, behind your fridge, the sofa, and similar places.
The basement is a good hiding spot for them, and they usually get sufficient cockroaches and other insects there. Starting to apply cayenne pepper from the basement is a good idea.
Use under the rocks, bricks, and messy places when applying outside in your yard. Apply in the holes and the corners of the wall.
Keep in mind that, after applying, the spiders will come out and can enter your shoes or clothes. Do not wear anything before checking.
Make borders:
After applying the pepper in the hidden spots, wait a few days to let the spiders find a new place out of your house.
Then start making borders around your doors and windows so that no spiders can enter your house.
Make borders around your garden to prevent spiders there. You can also apply cayenne peppers to the wall to avoid spiders from crawling.
Seal holes:
Seal every hole and crack from your house. Even a tiny hole can be an entrance point for spiders. Cut the tree branches that touch your roof. Make a reasonable distance between the tree and the ceiling as spiders can jump and swing.
Does water and cayenne pepper repel spiders?
Yes, water and cayenne pepper mixture will repel spiders. You can add some other ingredients to make the spray stronger.
Garlic makes cayenne pepper spray more effective and long-lasting. Adding soap also helps to stick with things better.
Capsaicin of cayenne pepper is a water-insoluble molecule. So the pepper powder needs to be kept overnight with soap and water to make it usable.
Water and cayenne pepper can repel and protect a place for 1-2 weeks outside (if it does not rain) and about a month inside.
How to make cayenne pepper spray for spiders?
You can make cayenne pepper spray at home by following some simple steps. Here are the steps.
Add shampoo in water:
Take one gallon of tap water and add six drops of shampoo.
Add cayenne pepper:
Add 2-3 tablespoons of cayenne pepper powder and stir thoroughly. If you have whole cayenne pepper, you will need to blend it first.
Leave the mix:
Leave the mix for 24 hours, and it’s ready to spray.
You can extend the power and longevity of the spray by adding a few more ingredients. You can repel spiders and other pests effectively by adding garlic and onions. Check out the steps,
Blend onion and ginger:
Blend onion and garlic in a blender.
Add the pulp:
Add the pulp in two liters of water.
Add cayenne pepper:
Add one teaspoon of cayenne pepper powder.
Add shampoo:
Add four drops of shampoo and stair nicely.
Leave the mix:
Leave it for a day, and it’s ready to spray.
What is the best natural spider repellant?
There are many ways to repel spiders naturally. Go through the list and find the suitable one for you,
Essential oils:
Essential oils and water sprays can be an easy way to deter spiders from your house.
Vinegar:
Vinegar and water spray is an effective way to repel bugs and spiders. The good thing is, It does not leave any mark or smell after drying.
Get a cat:
Cats are natural predators and love to hunt mice and insects. An active cat can be a fun way to get rid of spiders.
Garlic:
Spiders don’t like garlic. If you have no problem with its smell, you can use it to protect your home from spiders.
Citrus fruit:
Lemon, lime, and oranges are usable to repel spiders from your home. Spraying juice or keeping some peels in hidden spots can deter spiders and other pests.
Final thoughts
Cayenne peppers help resist spiders. You have to apply it in the right places to get the best results. Wear protective eyeglass, gloves, and mask before using. It can be excruciating if you accidentally inhale or come into contact with your skin and eyes.