Gardeners across the UK have a final window in late December to plant bulbs for a vibrant spring display, but their efforts are often thwarted by hungry squirrels. These persistent garden visitors are known for digging up and feasting on freshly planted bulbs, leaving little hope for future blooms.
The Simple Kitchen Cupboard Solution
Fortunately, a straightforward and humane solution may already be sitting in your spice rack. Gardening expert and TikTok creator Ish has highlighted several easy methods to protect your bulbs, with one standout trick involving a common kitchen ingredient: chilli flakes.
Ish explained the process is incredibly simple. "If squirrels are starting to eat away at your new spring bulbs, it can be a bit of a pain, but it's incredibly easy to take care of," he said. The advice is to simply sprinkle the chilli flakes on top of the soil where bulbs are planted. The squirrels will encounter the flakes first, take a taste, and be deterred from returning.
Why Chilli Flakes Work as a Deterrent
The effectiveness of this method lies in the compound capsaicin, which gives chilli peppers their heat. This substance activates pain receptors in mammals, creating a burning sensation that squirrels find highly unpleasant. When they sniff or taste the flakes, the capsaicin irritates their sensitive nasal passages and mouths, teaching them to avoid the treated area.
Interestingly, birds are not affected in the same way. Their taste receptors differ from mammals, meaning they can visit bird feeders treated with chilli without discomfort, while squirrels are kept at bay. This makes chilli flakes a versatile tool in the garden.
Alternative Methods and Further Uses
If sprinkling chilli flakes across your flower beds isn't appealing, Ish suggests other tactics. One is to cover the planted bulbs with a layer of mesh netting. As the plants grow, they will push through the gaps, and the netting can be removed once the bulbs are established and less tempting.
Another clever strategy is distraction. Placing a small dish filled with nuts and seeds near your bulb pots can divert the squirrels' attention, offering them an easier meal away from your precious plants.
The use of chilli extends beyond just deterring squirrels. Experts note it can also protect against other common pests. Dr Emily Lambert, a conservation scientist and co-founder of Seedball, confirmed that chilli powder can safeguard germinating seeds and plants from slugs and snails.
For a more targeted application, Rachel Bull, Head of Gardens at Homes & Gardens, recommends making a chilli powder spray. Mix a tablespoon of dish soap with two teaspoons of chilli powder in water, pour it into a spray bottle, and apply it to ant trails or the lower leaves of plants under attack from slugs.
With these simple, cost-effective methods, gardeners can look forward to a colourful spring garden, free from the destructive nibbling of local wildlife.
