The spicy powder that can be used to help prevent bird food thieves in your garden and how to keep your birds well fed in the colder months before they hibernate in the winter
Gardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle chilli powder or a hot sauce like Tabasco over their gardens this September.
It may sound peculiar, but the fiery orange seasoning can serve a crucial role in your outdoor space as summer transitions into autumn. This time of year is ideal for helping feed birds before they hibernate or migrate for winter, and chilli powder can help safeguard food left out for the birds from being pinched by other animals.
Birds have had a tough 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 ripple effects up the food chain, as birds have far less to eat, putting them at risk of starvation.
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That’s why gardeners are being asked to do their bit for birds and leave bird food out. However, one major issue with leaving bird food out is that other animals – such as squirrels or foxes – will attempt to nick it. That’s where the chilli powder comes in handy.
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, reports the Express.
Damaged apples and pears prove irresistible to birds, whilst kitchen leftovers such as pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs can also be utilised – though the RSPB advises against using excessive amounts of these items.
However, dust everything with chilli powder, and the feathered visitors will have the feast entirely to themselves. This works because birds remain completely unaffected by chilli powder, whilst squirrels and foxes detest it, ensuring you can reserve all the food exclusively for the birds.
The RSPB states: “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.”
Remember this strong ingredient to keep bird food safe and animals away.
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