If insects are wreaking havoc on your plants, you can protect them with a natural insect repellent. Hot pepper wax keeps insects off your plants without using harmful chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?
Hot Pepper Wax
Hot pepper wax is a combination of hot peppers, water and food grade wax. You can make your own by grinding 1/2 cup of dry hot peppers and mixing it with 1 pint of water. Strain the mixture, then add it to food grade wax until you have a mixture thin enough to spray onto plants. You can also purchase hot pepper wax at gardening supply stores.
Function
Hot peppers contain a compound called capsaicin, which attacks insects' nervous systems and metabolism, deterring them from landing on a plant. The wax coats an insect's body, increasing the contact with the capsaicin and killing it. The wax can also smother insects and their eggs as a secondary way of killing them.
Considerations
Capsaicin can cause skin irritation and burning if it comes in contact with your eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when working with it. To increase the insect repelling powers of a hot pepper wax solution, you can add lemon juice, garlic or rosemary to it.
Tags: contact with, food grade, your plants