Is Cayenne Pepper Effective at Deterring Armadillos? Everything You Should Know

The worst part is watching your prized garden be destroyed by armadillos. Fortunately, there are numerous methods for keeping this sly animal out of your yard.

The possibilities range from electronic repellents to do-it-yourself solutions. They are, however, quite expensive and frequently only provide a temporary solution.

Cayenne pepper is the most commonly used DIY solution. If you’re wondering if cayenne pepper deters armadillos, I’ve got the answer right here. Yes, whether used as a powder or a liquid mixture, cayenne pepper repels armadillos.

It is a very low-cost and easily accessible solution. But does it produce satisfactory results?

In this article, I will discuss the effectiveness of cayenne pepper as an armadillo repellent. Let’s get this party started.

Does Cayenne Pepper Keep Armadillos Away?

Yes, as previously stated, cayenne pepper deters armadillos. Hundreds of families across North America regularly use homemade repellents like cayenne pepper. Other home remedies include chili powder, garlic, mothballs, and so on.

Wildlife Animal Control suggests using cayenne pepper to keep armadillos out of your yard and garden. It works well because it has a strong odor. If you look closely at armadillos, you will notice that they have a pig-like snout. Despite their physical size, armadillos have poor vision.

Instead, these tiny creatures dig and forage through yards and gardens with their noses. That is why they have such an acute sense of smell.

Armadillos despise the cayenne pepper’s strong, pungent, and spicy aroma. These animals will not be harmed by this pepper, but they will begin to leave your yard entirely.

How Effective is Cayenne Peppe in Keeping Armadillos Away?

Cayenne pepper, according to Mother Earth News, is the most effective armadillo repellent. They revealed,

“As armadillos use their snouts when they dig, we decided to spread powdered cayenne pepper in the areas where they were rooting. After a couple of days of rooting, they didn’t come back. I’m sure the sting was more than they bargained for. In the past 10 years, we have only had to use our improvised armadillo repellent three times.”

Armadillos enjoy marking their territory with feces and urine. They eventually return to the marked territory by following the scent. As a result, when you spray the area with cayenne pepper, they will no longer be able to recognize their scent. This is another reason why cayenne pepper is such an effective armadillo repellent.

Cayenne pepper powder works well on its own. If you live in an area where it rains frequently, you will need to reapply the powder frequently. Because of the rain, the pepper powder will be washed away, and the smell will fade. Soon, one or two armadillos will return to your yard.

You can make a liquid cayenne pepper mixture and spray it liberally around the yard. Alternatively, you can sprinkle the powder after each rainstorm.

Again, don’t be concerned about whether or not cayenne pepper will kill the animals. Armadillos can detect cayenne pepper from a long distance and will stay as far away from the perimeter as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you use cayenne pepper for armadillos?

Cayenne pepper powder should be liberally sprinkled around the perimeters. You can also use the cayenne pepper mixture to spray around the yard.

What does cayenne pepper repel?

Cayenne pepper is effective at repelling a variety of insects, including aphids, leafhoppers, spider mites, whiteflies, and others. It will also deter animals like raccoons, skunks, and possums.

Will chili powder keep armadillos away?

Yes, chili powder, like cayenne pepper, works as an armadillo repellent.

Conclusion

That’s all there is to know about cayenne pepper as an armadillo repellent. You should no longer have to wonder if cayenne pepper keeps armadillos away.

Armadillos can be quite bothersome. Due to their burrowing nature, they destroy vegetable gardens and yards and can cause significant damage. These animals primarily consume insects found in yards. This is why you can see them in your yard at night.

These sly creatures also play an important role in preventing insect infestations. So it is better not to kill them. Instead, use a repellent like cayenne pepper or trap and remove them safely.

If you don’t want to deal with armadillos on your own, you can always hire a professional.