Leaving food out for birds is really important in the summer months when they need to feed their young – but there’s one thing you can do to stop grey squirrels stealing it
Gardeners are being urged to put chilli powder in their gardens(Image: Alex Evans)
Garden enthusiasts are being encouraged to sprinkle chilli powder in their gardens this August, and it’s for a significant cause.
It may seem strange, but chilli powder is an excellent deterrent to keep food intended for birds from being snatched by other critters, particularly as summer kicks off and birds still struggle to find sustenance.
Bird populations continue to grapple with food scarcity, facing threats in the U.K. as food sources dwindle. A drastic decrease in insect numbers — plummeting up to 60% in the U.K. over the past two decades due to habitat loss and climate change — is believed to be impacting the entire food chain.
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It may seem strange, but chilli powder is an excellent deterrent to keep food intended for birds from being snatched by other critters(Image: Lew Robertson via Getty Images)
With less to eat, birds risk starvation, especially during spring and summer when they need to nest and nourish their young. Hence, gardeners are urged to assist by leaving out bird food.
According to bird feed company Peckish, despite August being a relatively calm month for garden birds, it’s still crucial for gardeners to provide food and particularly water, which can be scarce during this month.
Hence, gardeners are urged to assist by leaving out bird food.(Image: CreatiVegan.net via Getty Images)
The article notes: “August is well known as a quiet month for garden birds. Many birds are done with breeding for the year, and the abundance of wild food in the form of seeds, fruits, and insects means our garden feeders are in less demand. Common birds, such as Robin and Blackbirds, will also begin to moult at this time of year. Moulting allows birds to get rid of the worn feathers from a busy breeding season and prepare for migration and the cooler months ahead. Like us, they prefer to change their outfits in a private and safe space, so they slink about in the undergrowth as their ability to fly is reduced.”, reports the Express.
“Water is the most valuable commodity for birds in summer. Be sure to leave shallow trays of water out for birds, particularly during dry spells. Even better are ponds, which won’t need to be topped up as often, and will also provide insects for birds to eat.”
According to bird feed company Peckish, despite August being a relatively calm month for garden birds, it’s still crucial for gardeners to provide food and particularly water(Image: Ali Majdfar via Getty Images)
However, leaving bird food out can attract unwanted visitors like gray squirrels.
To deter these critters, chilli powder is suggested. For those who have a birdbath or bird table or any platform where bird food is offered (and if you don’t, it might be worth considering one), a combination of chopped peanuts, seeds, mealworms, and fruit slices such as apples can be left out for the birds, soaked in water to ensure they also have essential hydration.
Bruised apples and pears are a hit with birds, and you can even toss in some household leftovers like pastry, cooked rice, and breadcrumbs, but the RSPB advises moderation with these scraps.
To keep the feast exclusive to our feathered friends, sprinkle everything with chili powder or flakes, including their water. Birds are immune to the heat of chili, unlike squirrels and foxes, who can’t stand it, so all the treats and hydration go to the birds.
The RSPB recommends: “When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms.”
They also suggest: “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.”
Moreover, they mention: “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.”
The Express conducted its own experiment and confirmed that this spicy strategy is indeed effective.
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Gardeners are being urged to put chilli powder in their gardens(Image: Alex Evans)
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