How do you repel ants with red pepper?

Answer 1

use bug spray If they are in your cupboards then they came in with some food you bought in the grocery store. I live in British Columbia, Canada and during the summer months they are pesky little things. You have to take everything out of your cupboards (they love crackers, chili pepper .. powdered, and any dry cereals as well as tea bags. If in doubt throw it out. Once all the food is well away from the cuboards (open a window and door) then spray and leave for an hour or two. You'll have to wash well with hot soapy water. If you can't afford to throw everything out, then take a big piece of wax paper and empty each thing out onto it and if all is well and you don't see them then you can rebox it. Dog biscuits are another thing they love!

Answer 2

Many insects, including ants, can be repelled from gardens by sprinkling hot Chile powders around and on the plants (e.g., red pepper, cayenne powder...any dried powdered chile... but NOT chili powder, which is the spice mix for "chili soup", it might work but not as cheaply and not as well). These powders will need to be renewed after a rain, however. The amount to use is mostly determined by trial and error. The ants usually will not walk across the powder, so putting a good amount on any paths will help, but a nice dusting everywhere in addition to that is usually the best approach.

For the most economic plan, grow your own hot chiles, dry*, and powder them with a mortar and pestle. The hottest varieties will provide the most potent powder, so some very good choices are any of the Chinense varietals such as Habanero. They are also thinner-walled chiles and, therefore, easier to dry quickly before they are able to mold.

*An easy and quick method of drying is to cut thin-walled chiles (such as Habanero) into small pieces and microwave until totally dry. Food dehydrators will also give directions on how to dry vegetables such as chiles.

Be very careful to avoid breathing or getting the powdery dust on your body or in your eyes. It is best to do the grinding into powders outside, and the easiest method is to use an old coffee grinder dedicated for that use. (Add some plastic wrap under the lid to assure a good seal so you do not breathe the powder). But, you can purchase the powders from the spice sections at the grocery to do the same thing. The more you use, the better the repellent effect.

The chiles contain a substance called capsaicin which is an irritant to the ants and other insects. That is what the chile plant uses it for, too. NouGuard, a commercial repellent for ants, is made with capsaicin as a primary component.

A mixture can also be made using the powder mixed in water or in a solution of 1 ½ teaspoons of Dawn liquid detergent per one quart of water to spray on the plants. The "soap" (detergent) adds an extra insecticidal component, but is a safe alternative to more toxic chemical pesticides and works along with the repellent qualities of the capsaicin to take care of the problem. (Make a paste of chile powder and a small amount of water for use inside the house. Place a small dab of the paste at the points of entry and on obvious ant trails.)

A mixture of chile powders with other known ant repellents can add to the effectiveness (but also adds to the costs). Some of those other natural repellents include: mint (fresh or dried), cinnamon, and dill. If you grow your own mint and dill, their very presence in the garden will help, and, when needed, you can dry and sprinkle their powders along with the powdered chiles.

Precautions:

Most people suggest wearing latex or latex-like gloves when handling chiles or chile powders. The oils that hold the capsaicin alkaloid are hard to remove by just washing hands with regular soaps, but washing hands with toothpaste helps by adding an abrasive. Another suggested technique is washing hands in milk.

When sprinkling the powders in the garden, stay upwind. You may also want to wear eye protective glasses or goggles. Avoid touching eyes, face, or contact lenses after touching chiles. Avoid inhalation of the powders, and, if necessary, wear a surgical mask. Keep the supplies away from kids and kids away from the treated areas.

Men, be careful when touching other parts of your body (or, ahem, getting a "chile willy"). And be aware of what you touch on children or other people, too.

Some recommend an eye wash using milk if you get chile powders or oils in your eyes. It will not hurt and could help, since the casein and fats in milk reduce the effects. Follow with water rinses. It is still best to contact a health care professional if this occurs.

One of the little known, but best "antidotes" for a burning mouth after getting too much capsaicin (i.e., biting off more than you can chew as it were), is to eat a banana. Milk products contain casein which also works to reduce the burn (confirmed but not totally understood). Fats, especially heavy cream, premium ice cream, sour cream and cheeses also work, because the capsaicin is held in the plant's oils and will be diluted when more oils/fats are added. Eating a cracker will help absorb the oils into the cracker and off your mucous tissue. Drinking alcohol may seem to aid the burning, especially if the drink is cold, but will also add an additional burn until it can be mildly effective by its very minor dissolving actions. Water does nothing but spread the oils around in your mouth to burn more places, it should be avoided.

Answer 3

Sprinkle red pepper powder around entry points where ants may be entering your home, such as windows, doors, and cracks. Ants are repelled by the strong scent of red pepper and will avoid crossing over it. Reapply the red pepper as needed to maintain the barrier.