Gardeners urged to sprinkle £1.10 kitchen staple on plants prone to pest chaos

There are few things more frustrating than waking up and discovering your plants have been nibbled away by greedy . Fortunately, experts have revealed one common kitchen spice that can keep them at bay – without wrecking your .

You probably know cayenne pepper for its intense spice and kick of rich smoky flavour. The scarlet powder is a staple in Mexican cooking, so if you’re a fan of Taco Tuesday or a Wednesday fajita night you likely have it lying around in your cupboard. However, it does a lot more than intensify a delicious meal. The spice is also an effective animal deterrent.

This is because many mammals detest its strong odour and sharp taste. In particular, it can keep rabbits, mice and rats at bay – some of the biggest culprits when it comes to munching through your greens.

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It also keeps and cats from tearing through your plant beds, too. This is particularly useful if your neighbourhood is home to any cheeky felines or curious pups who like to sneak into your garden.

Equally, if your plants are being plagued by a bug infestation, cayenne pepper works well to repel smaller insects. Aphids, maggots and spider mites are all common garden pests that hate the taste of the spice.

This prevents them from swarming your plants and spreading unpleasant diseases. In particular, aphids are known to spread the cucumber mosaic virus, which is common in the UK, and which causes mottled leaves and stunted growth.

While it may seem somewhat mean-spirited to feed innocent critters hot powder, it is safe for most animals to consume in small doses. It's also a far better option than using chemical pesticides to ward them away.

Importantly, it has the added benefit of keeping your plants healthy. Unlike other chemicals, which can damage ecosystems, cayenne pepper won’t negatively affect other wildlife.

Experts from Farm Flavour recommend: “Rather than reaching for the latest and greatest chemical invention at the hardware store, consider using a little cayenne pepper to keep those pesky critters away. Cayenne won’t harm your plants, but it will keep unwanted animals and bugs from munching on all your hard work.”

As for how to use the pepper, they recommend going in with a measured amount. They advise: “All you need to do is sprinkle a quarter cup throughout your garden every few days and you’ll begin to see healthier plants without chewed-up leaves and half-eaten fruit.”

The cayenne pepper can be sprinkled directly onto the base of plants or around the soil. It's best placed here, as this is where animals like squirrels will tend to dig.

Equally, you can also combine it with water to create a spray. In this case, spritz the spicy water onto the plant's foliage and across its base to create a similar repelling effect.

It's a popular spice that you likely have lying around in your kitchen cupboard. However, if not, you can find a pot of cayenne pepper in for just £1.10.