It’s important to feed birds throughout the year, but it is especially crucial to provide food in late spring, when many are either going through their breeding season or returning to the UK after migrating for the winter
Observing a squirrel scamper up a tree can be delightful, but it can be infuriating to set up a bird feeder only to have it plundered by these bushy-tailed thieves. Many birds rely on the supplementary food provided by gardeners in late spring, as they are either breeding or returning to the UK after migrating for the winter.
If squirrels devour all the bird food, they may become overly dependent on feeders instead of foraging naturally. This can lead to an overpopulation of squirrels in your local area and may scare off birds, resulting in fewer feathered visitors to your garden.
However, the wildlife experts at Ark Wildlife have revealed a surprisingly simple method to deter squirrels and prevent them from stealing bird food: a pinch of spicy cayenne pepper.
They explained: “This one feels almost too simple, but it works. Cayenne pepper is a natural squirrel deterrent; just sprinkle a little in the bird seed.
“Birds don’t have the same receptors for spicy heat, so they won’t notice, but squirrels will take one sniff and back away.”
Cayenne pepper will be unbearable for squirrels due to their extremely sensitive noses and taste buds, causing them to steer clear of a bird feeder after a single unpleasant encounter with the spice, reports the Express.
To use this method, simply mix one tablespoon of cayenne pepper into your bird seed mixture and reapply after rainfall, as the seasoning can wash off.
Be sure to don your gloves when you’re whipping up that bird feed – it’ll not only make the job easier but also cut down on getting any of that spicy seasoning in your eyes or mouth.
Those pesky squirrels are bound to give it a miss if you sprinkle some cayenne pepper about, though picking the right kind of bird seed can keep them at bay too.
Bird-lovers take note: “Not all bird food is equally attractive to squirrels. While they’ll devour sunflower seeds, peanuts, and suet without a second thought, there are some options they’re less keen on.”
You might not know it, but safflower seeds are a hit with our feathered friends thanks to their fatty acid content, yet they offer squirrels zip by way of nutrients – they’ll cotton on and steer clear soon enough.
Plus, these seeds pack a punch with a bitter tang squirrels find vile, but unlike with the cayenne, birds won’t bat an eyelid.
Put in a bit of extra graft to safeguard your bird feeder and you’ll do favours for swallows, blackbirds, magpies, and even robins. This will fend off those furry pests in the most natural way.