It might sounds strange, but scattering a spice in your garden this February is the perfect way to keep food out for birds – without it being stolen by other animals
Gardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle a certain spice in their gardens this February, and it’s all for a very important cause.
It might sound odd, but scattering chilli powder is an effective way to leave food out for hungry birds without it being nabbed by other critters, particularly during winter when birds struggle to find sustenance. Bird populations have been facing challenges for several years now, with gardeners reporting fewer sightings and declining numbers of many species.
The drastic 80% decrease in insect numbers over the past two decades, due to habitat loss and climate change, is believed to be impacting the entire food chain, leaving birds with less to eat and increasing their risk of starvation, especially during the colder months when food is scarce.
This is why gardeners are being urged to help out our feathered friends by leaving out bird food as temperatures drop. However, one major issue with this is that other animals, like squirrels, often try to swipe the food.
This is where the chilli powder comes into play. If you have a birdbath or bird table (or if you don’t, consider getting one), you can leave out a mix of peanuts, seeds, mealworms and fruit slices for the birds to enjoy.
Bruised apples and pears are a hit with birds, as well as household scraps like pastry, cooked rice, and breadcrumbs – though the RSPB warns not to overdo it with these treats, reports the Express.
However, here’s a spicy tip: sprinkle some chilli powder over it all, and you’ve got bird-exclusive dining. Birds don’t mind a bit of heat from chilli powder, but squirrels and foxes can’t stand it, ensuring that all the food goes to our feathered friends.
The RSPB recommends. “When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms.”
They add, “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.”
And for keeping pesky squirrels at bay, “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.”
