InfoSAWIT, ENTIKONG - Squirrel pests have once again become a nightmare for palm oil farmers in the border area of Entikong. These rodents frequently attack ripe fresh fruit bunches, gnawing and damaging them before harvest, leading to significant losses for farmers. However, amidst these challenges, a simple yet promising solution has emerged: natural ingredients from the kitchen.
With increasing awareness of the dangers of chemical pesticides to the environment and non-target organisms, farmers are turning their attention to more eco-friendly methods. One approach currently being tested and disseminated is the use of chili extract to repel squirrels.
Chili contains capsaicin, a spicy compound that rodents dislike. In practice, farmers simply need to grind the chili, mix it with water and a bit of liquid soap as a binder, and spray it on the bunches or palm trunks. While not lethal, the pungent aroma and taste of the chili solution are enough to keep squirrels at bay.
“This is not poison, but more of a natural repellent. Once squirrels get sprayed or catch a whiff, they won’t come back,” said Supardi, a palm oil farmer in Dusun Gun Tembawang, Entikong. “The key is to do it regularly, every few days,” he added, as reported by InfoSAWIT from KBRN RRI on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Not only chili, but garlic has also shown high effectiveness as a pest repellent due to its antibacterial properties and sharp aroma. The application method is similar: crushed, mixed with water, and sprayed in areas frequently attacked by squirrels.
Some farmers have even experimented with combining chili and garlic in one solution. “When mixed, the result is more potent. Squirrels tend to flee for longer,” said Beni, another farmer who has been trying this method since the beginning of the year.
In addition to these two kitchen ingredients, eucalyptus oil and lemongrass oil are also being used. Their strong aromas have proven to be unappealing to squirrels. Simply mixing them with water or placing them on cotton near palm trees makes squirrels reluctant to approach.
While this method may not provide long-term effects like chemical pesticides, its main benefits are environmental safety and low cost. “These materials can be found in traditional markets, are cheap, and do not pollute the soil,” explained one agricultural extension worker in the border area.
The use of natural materials for pest control, such as squirrels, aligns with the sustainable agriculture approach that is being promoted in many regions. Besides not killing wildlife directly, this approach helps maintain the ecological balance of the garden.
Local governments and agricultural extension workers continue to encourage education and training for farmers in utilizing local resources for pest control. “If we can protect palm oil gardens without poisoning the soil or indiscriminately killing wildlife, why not?” said one extension worker in Entikong.
Although the effectiveness of these natural methods is currently localized and still depends on the frequency of use, farmers see new hope. They hope for further research support from educational institutions and the government so that these methods can be refined and applied more broadly. (T2)
