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Cayenne Spray to Control Blueberry Fruit Fly?

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Posted by Timebider 7a (My Page) on
Thu, May 29, 14 at 16:16

I've grown blueberries in my yard for a decade, but last year was my first experience with BFFs. I lost my whole crop - over 15 gallons of fruit - to them.

I've read that homemade cayenne pepper sprays are effective against BFFs, but can't find how to make it and when/how to use it. Does anyone have experience with controlling BFFs without chemicals? I'm sensitive to Bt and pyrethrins so even naturally derived pesticides are a no-go. Thanks!

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RE: Cayenne Spray to Control Blueberry Fruit Fly?

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I thought only mammals were affected by capsaicin?

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RE: Cayenne Spray to Control Blueberry Fruit Fly?

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Below is a link to a report about blueberry pest management by the University of Maine - see page 19 for a brief discussion of cayenne as insect control.

There are other sources I've found that have more evidence but nothing about how it's used. I don't know if I should use a dry duster or a solution of water/dish detergent/pepper to spray it onto the plants. In the absence of directions, I've decided to experiment. We'll see - fingers crossed!

Here is a link that might be useful: Maine Blueberry Report

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