Pepper spray is an effective, non-lethal self-defense weapon that can easily fit in your pocket. Learn how to craft your own home-made pepper spray from scratch and add it to your arsenal of self-preservation tools!
Capsaicin, an active ingredient in chili peppers, is a potent chemical compound that causes eyes to close and temporarily blinds attackers – giving police officers and those in danger time to flee.
1. Peppers
Pepper spray is a self-defense weapon that can help you escape an attacker. However, it should only be used appropriately; that’s why learning how to make your own pepper spray is so important.
Before beginning to make pepper spray, you will need all the supplies. These include a plastic bottle with nozzle, pressurized gas (like CO2 or nitrogen), and capsaicin powder – which can usually be found at most hardware stores.
The next step is to thoroughly mix all of the ingredients together. Be sure to do this properly for optimal results, and also store your pepper spray properly for optimal freshness.
If you don’t plan to store your homemade pepper spray in the refrigerator, let it sit out in the sun for a few hours before using it. This will guarantee that the spray is fresh and allows it to have maximum effectiveness.
Once all ingredients have been thoroughly mixed together, place them in a large bowl. You may wish to strain any residual capsaicin from the bottom of the bowl by placing cheesecloth overtop.
Avoid clumping the mixture by stirring frequently; this will prevent it from forming a sticky residue on the surface of the pepper spray. Once you have an even, thick spray that’s as potent as original, pour it into whatever container you plan to store it in.
You can use this spray as an outdoor defense against pests and other garden enemies. Apply it both top and underside of plant leaves for maximum protection.
2. Alcohol
Alcohol, or ethanol as it’s commonly known, has been an integral part of human culture since ancient times. As a psychoactive drug, alcohol can have various effects on people depending on individual tolerance levels and the context in which they consume it.
Alcohol is produced by fermenting sugar (glucose) using microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. This results in carbon dioxide and lactic acid, giving the drink its distinct taste.
When making an alcohol infusion with chili peppers, there are a few steps you must take to ensure the infusion doesn’t turn too spicy. The type of peppers used, the amount of alcohol, and how long you leave them in will all have an impact on how hot your infusion becomes.
Start out with mild varieties like bell, shishito, poblano, Anaheim or hatch peppers; these will add both flavor and heat to your alcohol but won’t produce as much heat as hotter varieties like serrano, jalapeo or cayenne peppers.
After some time has passed, you can taste your infusion with a straw or small spoon to determine desired level of spiciness. If it’s too hot for your liking, strain out the peppers and add fresh ones; repeat this process after twenty more minutes for optimal flavor!
After your infusion is finished, it’s a wise idea to rinse the peppers with water and discard any seeds or flesh. Doing this helps avoid mold growth in the infusion – which can happen quickly if not handled properly. For optimal safety, store pepper infusions in airtight containers or hermetically sealed bottles for storage.
3. Oil
Pepper spray is a common self-defense weapon for those who fear being attacked. It contains capsaicin – the chemical found in chili peppers which causes an intense burning sensation – and a solvent liquid which absorbs the capacin.
Capsaicin, an oleoresin in hot peppers, causes an intense burning sensation when touched or inhaled. It also irritates mucous membranes in the eyes, nose and throat – leading to pepper spray being labeled as “less-lethal”.
Pepper sprays are often employed as a deterrent against violent attackers and can also be helpful in helping someone flee an unsafe situation. It should be noted that pepper sprays are ineffective when thrown or shot and may cause serious injury if they come into contact with skin.
Making pepper spray from home is easy with ingredients found in most kitchens and pantries. Not only is this cheaper and more effective than buying pre-packaged pepper spray from the store, but it’s also much healthier for you as well.
Making pepper spray is easy: start by finely grinding some peppers until they become a fine powder. Then, mix this powder with 92% alcohol and vegetable oil for your recipe.
Once the mixture has been thoroughly mixed, strain it. This easy process can be accomplished by inserting a funnel into an appropriate-sized container. Next, secure cheesecloth over the mouth of the funnel before pouring in your contents.
Once strained, add the mixture to a bottle or jar and store in your refrigerator for up to two weeks. Doing this keeps the mix from becoming diluted and helps it remain potent for longer.
4. Garlic
Garlic pepper, a delicious spice blend, can also be used to create a spray that repels insects. Garlic’s chemical composition deters aphids, whiteflies and many other pests while its antibacterial properties help keep your garden healthy and free of pests.
Make a garlic spray by mixing two pureed garlic bulbs with about 1/2 cup of water and placing the mixture into a spray bottle. This produces an effective pest-repelling solution, but if desired, add more garlic for stronger repelling power.
Garlic spray not only prevents insects from getting to your plants, but it can also deter larger mammals like rabbits and deer from your yard. Unfortunately, it won’t kill certain types of pests such as squash bugs or Japanese bean beetles.
Garlic spray is an economical and safe garden tool, but be mindful that it may cause irritation if it comes into contact with skin or eyes. Thus, keep garlic spray away from children and pets to avoid this issue.
Making a homemade garlic spray that’s even more effective requires adding cayenne pepper. This will increase the insect repelling power of your spray and prevent aphids, whiteflies, and other pesky pests from feeding on your plants.
If you don’t enjoy the flavor of cayenne pepper, try jalapeno or serrano peppers instead. They are slightly hotter than cayenne, so they will add an extra kick and spice to your spray.
Make a spray that’s powerful enough to repel pests from your garden with just garlic, chili peppers and water. You can increase the strength of the spray if desired; however, start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
5. Water
Pepper spray is an eco-friendly, reliable, and cost-effective way to deter pests – not to mention an invaluable self-defense weapon!
Making pepper spray requires two main components – capsaicin and water. Capsaicin is an oil extracted from chili peppers that creates the heat in pepper spray; when mixed with water it creates a substance both effective and safe to use!
Make your own pepper spray from a few simple ingredients with ease, and it makes an excellent addition to any bug-out bag or purse. However, be sure to store it in a well-ventilated area in order to prevent breathing issues due to the high concentration of capsaicin in the spray.
Once your pepper spray is ready, store it in an airtight container at home. Depending on how often you use it, this could last for a week or longer.
Pepper spray should be applied to plants about once every three days, after rain or when watering. This helps ensure a consistent and effective coat of spicy flavor.
Furthermore, when spraying large trees and shrubs with insecticide, using a backpack-type sprayer is the ideal option. This will enable you to cover larger areas more evenly, reapplying as necessary.
It is essential to wear gloves and other protective gear when using homemade pepper spray. Otherwise, you could end up with a painful skin rash or burns that won’t go away.
When using homemade pepper spray, the most important thing to remember is to practice your aim and ensure the nozzle points in the opposite direction. If any spray gets into your eyes, rinse them immediately with cold water.
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