I ordered a vegetable box, but got some hot peppers in a pint, which I can’t tolerate. Do you know of a way to make a mix of this as an animal deterrent, by using a high speed blender?. The links I see online suggest various boiling recipes, but this would bring the irritable potion into the air, and I don’t have good ventilation. My blender keeps things contained, and I’d wear gloves in case I have to wipe the lid. Living in mid-Toronto I saw a skunk for the first time in my life, but racoons/squirrels are regular visitors to the west end garden, as well as owner neglected cats. Traditionally, I remember seeing these dried, but I can’t remember their purpose. Donating isn’t an option, to a local food bank-like box, since the users might mistake the contents for sweeter peppers. My neighbours wouldn’t be interested.
Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners about using your hot peppers as an animal deterrent. Capsaicin is the ingredient in hot peppers that makes them hot. The Toronto Master Gardeners do not recommend the use of capsaicin as a repellent for mammals because it can be very irritating and painful to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes, and can cause swelling of the lung tissue. It is also toxic to bees and other beneficial insects.
We have previously answered a question similar to yours. That response is here.
This article might also be helpful.
Statement on Home Remedies: The Toronto Master Gardeners do not recommend home remedies, as these have not been proven effective through scientific investigation, and may even damage other living organisms in the soil or plants in your garden. There are other garden friendly options you can use.
Oct 1, 2022