Cayenne Pepper, Fighting Critters

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Psyche. This user is located in Zone 7a, Maryland. This was originally posted on March 27, 2013.

I use powdered cayenne to keep furry critters out of my EB.  Last year, I had trouble finding an ample supply without costing a ton.  Chili powder, Korean style pepper, red pepper flakes and taco seasoning are notpotent enough.

The place I found it in Maryland was a Whole Foods market with a bulk spice section in Annapolis.  Its about $9 a pound, and I dont need a pound.  I also tried to find places that sold Frontier spices in bulk.  Not all Whole Foods have a bulk spice section.  Other places in the country, check Wild Oats, Fred Meyer and Smiths Marketplace.

A little cayenne pepper on the hole in the plastic was enough to deter squirrels from planting acorns in my EB.  Raccoons were after the fertilizer and needed and larger dose and sent me on the quest to find cheep large quantities.  I sprinkled it on before I put on the cover.  I may add some to the fertilizer directly this year.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, morganmac. This user is located in NW Georgia, Zone 7b. This was originally posted on March 28, 2013.

I haven't had a problem with critters getting into my EBs yet (crossing my fingers), but I have used cayenne to keep a chipmunk out of a hole in my foundation long enough to patch it (didn't want to seal him in!). I had the pleasure of watching him get into the powder...never seen a chipmunk sneeze before.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, BronxBaby. this user is located in Bronx, NY, Zone 7a. This was originally posted on April 29, 2013.

I use Cayenne pepper all year around to fight off the stray cats, raccoons, possums, and skunks that come through my property. Yes it is expensive but its truly the most natural, chemical free way I know of that works ALL YEAR round.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user is located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9a. This was originally posted on April 29, 2013.

You know the pepper may be natural, but is not chemical free. The capsaicin is the chemical that produces the heat and is used in law enforcement and military weapons for crowd control.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, linear249. This was originally posted on April 29, 2013.

Psyche - I'm surprised that you're having a problem finding Cayenne Pepper.  The 1# container is available in all of our local grocery stores, including Wal Mart, in the seasonings section.  If your local store doesn't carry, try asking them to carry.  You can get a 1# container at our local Sam's Club for under $6.00.  This is the main ingredient in Crab, Shrimp, and Crawfish boils.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Psyche. This user is located in Zone 7a, Maryland. This was originally posted on April 30, 2013.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Full Member, linear249. This was originally posted on April 29, 2013.

Psyche - I'm surprised that you're having a problem finding Cayenne Pepper.  The 1# container is available in all of our local grocery stores, including Wal Mart, in the seasonings section.  If your local store doesn't carry, try asking them to carry.  You can get a 1# container at our local Sam's Club for under $6.00.  This is the main ingredient in Crab, Shrimp, and Crawfish boils.

I was having trouble finding it in reasonable quantities for reasonable prices.  The McCormick spice jars could found for a couple of bucks at any grocery store, but the volume per jar was tiny.  I think I was about $20-30 to get a pound.

I'm not sure what size #1 is.  I shop Costco and they had it in the previous state I lived, just not here.  I can buy old bay seasoning in gallon jugs for the blue crab boils.  Costco had the large containers of chili powder, Korean pepper and red pepper flakes.  The grocery does not carry anything larger than the standard spice jar.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, morganmac. This user is located in NW Georgia, Zone 7b. This was originally posted on April 30, 2013.

Our grocery has some spices in plastic deli-like containers in the produce section. Is that a #1 container? The spices are cheaper there, I have found, but probably not as cheap as buying in bulk at Costco. You might have to break down and order online. Or maybe find a restaurant supply place?

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, movrshakr. This user is located in Zone 10a- near Cape Canaveral. This was originally posted on April 30, 2013.

I think he meant one pound.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, Psyche. This user is located in Zone 7a, Maryland. This was originally posted on April 30, 2013.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, morganmac. This user is located in NW Georgia, Zone 7b. This was originally posted on April 30, 2013.

Our grocery has some spices in plastic deli-like containers in the produce section. Is that a #1 container? The spices are cheaper there, I have found, but probably not as cheap as buying in bulk at Costco. You might have to break down and order online. Or maybe find a restaurant supply place?

I found my source in the bulk section at Whole Foods.  I was having trouble locating a source.  I moved and my usual places were gone.  Perhaps my difficulty is more of a local problem than other places.

As far as online orders, I like frontier spices.  However, if you find a store that sells that brand, you can negotiate an order for cheaper.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: Tjis post was originally posted by Full Member, chrissykr. This user is located in Chicago Burbs, Zone 5a. This was originally posted on April 30, 2013.

I love the idea of using it but I have read where critters get it on their paws and then wipe their eyes. As much as I hate critters in my garden I cant bring myself to use it.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Newbie, rancjones. This was originally posted on July 21, 2013.

I have 6 boxes and this is my second year.  I  planted and expected to eat red stripped tomatoes.  I have it on my deck and the tomatoes looked great.  The last 3 nights something has climbed up the EB (about 6) and each night ate 2 tomatoes about the size of a softball. So, I am down 6 tomatoes.  For some reason it has ignored my Roma tomatoes setting right next to it. Any idea what it could be and better yet would the cayenne pepper work?  I have squirrels and chipmunks but the dont seem to pay any attention to the boxes.
Thanks

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7 - South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 21, 2013.

Ditto. I cant bring myself to torture the critters. for that reason I use I Must Garden for squirrels. Its made of a whole bunch of botanicals that squirrels dislike, and will keep them away without harming them. I spray any fruits that are ready to ripen and the surrounding foliage. This can also protect furniture or anything you don't want the pests on.

I don't know if it will deter raccoons, but my gut feeling is it will.

http://www.imustgarden.com/index.php?p=catalog&parent=13&pg=1

Mickie

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user is located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9a. This was originally posted on July 21, 2013.

Believe it or not I bet the culprit is a large rodent, like rat. I trap rats each year that climb into my tomatoes to feast at night. Put out some traps baited with peanut butter and see what happens.

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7 - South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 21, 2013.

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, gardendoc. This user is located in Ocean Springs, MS Zone 9a. This was originally posted on July 21, 2013.

Believe it or not I bet the culprit is a large rodent, like rat. I trap rats each year that climb into my tomatoes to feast at night. Put out some traps baited with peanut butter and see what happens.

The last 3 nights something has climbed up the EB (about 6) and each night ate 2 tomatoes about the size of a softball.

A rat? Really?? It can eat that much?

[EarthBoxAdmin]

Disclaimer: This post was originally posted by Hero Member, mjb8743. This user is located in Zone 7 - South NJ, Garden State. This was originally posted on July 21, 2013.

rancjones-- Where are you located?