Gardeners are being encouraged to use a very unusual ingredient in their gardens this September – and it’s all to help the birds
Aakifah Gani and Katy Hallam
04:02, 13 Sep 2025
(Image: Getty Images)
Gardeners are being urged to sprinkle chilli powder or a hot sauce like Tabasco over their gardens this September.
It might sound odd, but the fiery orange seasoning can play a vital role in your outdoor space as summer gives way to autumn.
This time of year is perfect for helping feed birds before they hibernate or migrate for winter, and chilli powder can help protect food left out for the birds from being snatched by other animals.
Birds have had a challenging year, with gardeners reporting seeing far fewer than usual. The drastic decrease in insect numbers – down by as much as 80 per cent in the last two decades due to habitat loss and climate change – is believed to be having knock-on 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, one major problem with leaving bird food out is that other animals – such as squirrels or foxes – will try to steal it.
That’s where the chilli powder proves useful, reports the Mirror.
If you have a birdbath or bird table, or something on which you leave bird food for the birds (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, according to the Express.
Damaged apples and pears are a treat for birds, and you can also use kitchen leftovers like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs – but don’t overdo it, warns the RSPB.
However, if you sprinkle everything with chilli powder, the birds will have the feast all to themselves. This is because birds aren’t bothered by chilli powder, while squirrels and foxes can’t stand it, so you can keep all the food just for the birds.
The RSPB advises: “When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms. 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. 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.”
So remember this potent ingredient to keep your bird food safe and unwanted animals at bay.
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