UK gardeners advised to use chilli powder in gardens to protect bird food this autumn
A growing number of Brits are looking to the spice rack to keep their bird feeders safe from thieving squirrels and foxes - and it works!
by Alex Evans · ChronicleLiveGardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle chilli powder in their gardens this October. It may seem strange, but the fiery orange spice can serve a crucial role in your garden as autumn commences.
This time of year is crucial for feeding birds before they hibernate or migrate for winter, and chilli powder can help safeguard food left out for the birds from being snatched and consumed by other, less deserving creatures. Birds have had a tough year.
Gardeners have reported seeing fewer birds than usual, a claim supported by RSPB data - over the past forty years, one in six birds has disappeared. The significant decrease in insect numbers - down by as much as 80 percent in the last two decades due to habitat loss and climate change - is believed to be having ripple effects up the food chain, as birds have far less to eat, putting them at risk of starvation.
That's why gardeners are being asked to do their bit for birds and leave bird food out. However, leaving bird food out poses a big problem as other animals - such as squirrels or foxes - will attempt to steal it.
This is where the chilli powder comes into play. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or something on which you leave bird food (and if you don't have one, consider getting one), then you can leave a mix of peanuts, seeds, mealworms and slices of fruit like apple out for birds to eat, reports the Express.
The RSPB has shared a clever tip for ensuring that birds get their fill without interference from other wildlife. They suggest using bruised apples and pears, along with small amounts of household scraps like pastry, cooked rice, and breadcrumbs.
However, caution is advised to avoid overfeeding these.
Yet, by adding a dash of chilli powder to the mix, our feathered friends can enjoy their food undisturbed. Birds are unbothered by chilli, while squirrels and foxes find it repellant, hence leaving the feast for the birds.
Further advice from the RSPB includes shopping for bird food that offers a diverse selection of peanuts, seeds, and live treats such as mealworms and waxworms. They also note that "Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and Blackbirds. Household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs should only be offered in small amounts occasionally."
Additionally, the charity advises, "Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (like Tabasco) can be shaken onto bird food. Birds aren't bothered by the chilli, but most squirrels can't put up with the burning sensation and will leave the food alone."
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