Garlic Pepper Insecticidal Soap Spray

Why Garlic + Pepper + Soap?

This recipe combines three pest-fighting mechanisms:

1. Soap — kills soft-bodied insects on contact by disrupting cell membranes
2. Garlic — contains allicin and sulfur compounds that repel insects and some larger pests
3. Cayenne pepper — capsaicin irritates pests and creates a taste deterrent

This triple-action approach is especially useful when basic soap spray alone isn’t cutting it or when you’re dealing with both insect pests and animal visitors like deer and rabbits.

Instructions

Step 1: Make Garlic-Pepper Concentrate

1. Combine minced garlic and chopped hot peppers in a heat-safe jar
2. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over them
3. Cover and let steep for at least 1 hour (overnight is better)
4. Strain through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer
5. Press the solids to extract all the liquid

Step 2: Mix the Spray

1. Pour the strained garlic-pepper concentrate into your spray bottle
2. Add 1 tablespoon of castile soap
3. Fill with water to make 1 quart total
4. Shake well to combine

Step 3: Apply

• Spray all plant surfaces, focusing on leaf undersides
• Apply in early morning or late evening
• Wear gloves — residual capsaicin on the spray bottle can irritate skin
• Avoid spraying blooming flowers (protects pollinators)

What Makes This Recipe Special

The Garlic Effect

Garlic’s sulfur compounds (allicin, diallyl disulfide) create a scent barrier that many pests avoid. Research shows garlic sprays can:

• Reduce aphid populations by 50-80% through repellence alone
• Deter whiteflies from landing on treated plants
• Discourage larger pests (deer, rabbits) from browsing

The repellent effect lasts longer than soap alone — usually 3-5 days depending on weather.

The Capsaicin Effect

Capsaicin doesn’t kill most insects, but it:

• Creates an irritant that causes insects to leave treated plants
• Makes plants taste terrible to browsing animals
• May disrupt insect feeding behavior

Combined Power

Soap kills current pests. Garlic repels new arrivals. Pepper discourages everything in between. It’s the closest thing to a “full spectrum” organic pest spray you can make at home.

Application Tips

Situation	Recommendation
Light infestation	Standard concentration
Heavy infestation	Double the garlic and pepper
Deer/rabbit deterrent	Extra garlic, apply to plant perimeter
Sensitive plants	Halve the pepper, test first

Shelf Life

Unlike basic soap spray, the garlic-pepper concentrate can be stored:

• Concentrate (before adding soap): 1-2 weeks in the refrigerator
• Mixed spray: Use within 24 hours

Reapplication

• Reapply every 5-7 days during active pest season
• Reapply after rain (capsaicin and garlic wash off)
• For deer/rabbit deterrent, spray the garden perimeter weekly

Safety Precautions

⚠️ Handle with care. This spray contains capsaicin (hot pepper extract).

• Wear gloves when mixing and spraying
• Avoid eyes and face — capsaicin causes painful burning
• Don’t spray on windy days — airborne droplets can irritate
• Wash hands thoroughly after handling
• Label the bottle clearly — this is NOT just soap water
• Keep away from children and pets until dry

When to Choose This Recipe

✅ Use this when:

• You have persistent pests that return after basic soap treatment
• Deer or rabbits are eating your garden plants
• You want combined killing + repellent action
• You’re dealing with cabbage worms or other caterpillars

❌ Skip this when:

• You only have a minor aphid problem (basic soap is enough)
• You’re spraying near harvest of delicate herbs (garlic taste may transfer)
• You don’t want to handle hot peppers