Ingredients
- 1 liter of water
- 2–3 fresh hot chili peppers (or 1–2 teaspoons of chili powder)
- 1 teaspoon of mild liquid soap (pure potassium soap or unscented natural soap)
- ¼–½ teaspoon of salt
Preparation
- Finely chop or crush the chili peppers.
- Pour about 250 ml of hot water over them.
- Let the mixture steep for 12–24 hours.
- Strain through a fine sieve or cloth.
- Add the remaining water to make 1 liter.
- Stir in the soap and salt until dissolved.
- Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
How to use
- Spray the plants thoroughly, especially the undersides of the leaves.
- Apply early in the morning or in the evening, avoiding direct sunlight.
- Repeat every 3–5 days if needed.
- Test on a few leaves first, as some plants are sensitive to chili or salt.
Why it works
- Chili acts as a natural repellent for many insect pests.
- Natural soap helps the solution stick to the leaves and can weaken the protective coating of certain insects.
- Salt may slightly enhance the effect but should be used only in small amounts—or omitted entirely—if plant sensitivity is a concern.
Please note: Avoid spraying beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, and bees. If the spray is used on edible crops, wash the produce thoroughly before consumption.
What natural pest control methods have you tried?
We believe that sharing practical knowledge is one of the best ways to strengthen sustainable farming communities.
Have you tried other natural methods to protect your crops? We would be delighted to hear about your experiences, local recipes, and practical tips. Please share them with the Back to Nature community so that we can continue learning from one another.
