Will chilli powder harm my soil ?

[whiffey]

This may sound daft, but it doesn't google too well, so I thought I'd ask here.

I have discovered chilli powder to be an effective and economical deterrent against foxes uprooting my bedding plants. What bothers me a bit is what it might do to the soil and young tender roots. It really struck me looking from the bedroom window this morning how my flower beds are littered with large bright red patches.

OK so the foxes just move on and dig up an untreated area, but I do get some satisfaction from replanting the flowers and treating liberally with chilli powder.

[WendyS]

Oh dear ! Poor little worms. How would you like to have chilli powder sprinkled all over your sensitive skin? It must be the worst form of torture imaginable. Have you ever rubbed your eye with your finger after cutting chillis ?? I wonder if worms can scream out in pain?

If you really want to discourage the foxes, human urine is supposed to be a good deterrent. I've not tried it because we actually feed our visiting foxes but it seems a darned sight more friendly than chilli powder.