Squirrels are notorious for raiding bird feeders, but experts suggest a simple kitchen spice can help keep them at bay. Bird specialists at the RSPB and retailer Duncraft recommend using chilli powder to deter the tenacious creatures.
Squirrels are a bit like Marmite – you either love them or loathe them. These tenacious creatures can wreak havoc in your garden and make quite a racket while doing so. They're capable of scaling polished steel poles and jumping over eight feet, with their bushy tails providing remarkable balance, enabling them to navigate lengthy stretches of thin wire with ease.
While some garden enthusiasts delight in watching squirrels attempt to raid bird feeders, the majority of people tend to seek guidance on how to stop them getting in. With that in mind, bird specialists at the RSPB and retailer Duncraft suggest using a particularly fiery spice to frighten squirrels away – chilli powder.
How to keep squirrels away from your bird feeder
One of the most widespread problems with squirrels in gardens is their persistent habit of gobbling up food left out for birds. They can devour vast quantities of peanuts and seeds, frequently wrecking bird feeders in the process.
Chilli powder is a safe and reliable way of making sure only birds get access to the food, as squirrels simply can't stand it. Experts at the RSPB advise gardeners to dust a small amount of the pungent powder over seed and suet mixes in feeders and on tables, as it will put off opportunistic squirrels without having any impact on birds' feeding habits.
The ingredient will prevent them from tucking in, but it doesn't appear to have any impact on birds whatsoever. This is far easier than erecting barriers and attempting to block squirrels' access to feeders – they are agile, intelligent creatures and will typically find a route in regardless.
Other kitchen deterrents and garden uses
Ensure seed mixes are well coated but not buried in the powder. Place the powder in a bag with the seed mix and give it a good shake. Other kitchen deterrents include curry powder, Tabasco, Peri-Peri sauce, red pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Specialists at bird retailer Duncraft concurred, stating that chilli can be a "very useful product when it comes to keeping squirrels away from bird seed". They continued, "While birds don't really have a sense of smell or taste, squirrels absolutely do! The taste and smell of chilli can be just as irritating to their noses and taste buds as it is to those of us that don't appreciate hot, peppery foods."
Chilli powder can also be deployed in the garden to safeguard germinating seeds and plants from troublesome pests like slugs and snails. Chilli contains capsaicin, a natural repellent which will keep those plant-munching garden intruders at bay. Simply spread a small amount across the garden or around the base of the plant you wish to protect. No need for harsh chemicals or pesticides; the answer to a pest-free plot is sitting in your kitchen cupboard.
Duncraft noted that there are numerous squirrel-repelling bird foods available, such as seeds, suets, and seed additives containing hot pepper ingredients. These typically include chilli peppers, powders, flakes, or derivatives and combinations of all of the above.
