There is nothing more frustrating for bird-lovers than when they’ve filled up their feeders only for squirrels to come and feast on all the seeds meant for the birds. Many people have tried a range of tactics to try and tackle the pests – from cooking oil and petroleum jelly to poles and over baffles, hoping that the squirrels will slide off before they get the chance to feed on the seeds. However, with the 2.5 million squirrels found across the UK, according to Government figures, the garden pest feeding on bird food is still a significant issue for many.
The current market is filled with many products meant to help deter squirrels from bird feeders, including squirrel-proof feeders. These feeders house food within cages that are too small for squirrels. However, the feeders are also too small for larger birds such as magpies and pigeons to get into.
There are many other tips, such as storing the food carefully or positioning the feeders elsewhere. However, gardeners could also use this one household ingredient that squirrels hate.
Sprinkling a bit of cayenne pepper in the bird seed and mixing it around will surely keep squirrels away from nibbling on the bird food. This is because squirrels hate spice, but fortunately, birds do not have the same receptors for spice heat, so the cayenne pepper will not affect them.
The simple method could be combined with creating a separate feeding station for squirrels. Sean McMenemy, wildlife expert and founder of bird food provider Ark Wildlife says “offering a separate squirrel feeding station containing nuts can be a distraction.”
The Wildlife Trusts said: “If you provide them with an alternative natural food by planting species such as oak, which will give them a supply of acorns over time, this will help sustain them in the winter months, rather than the bird seed.
The charity also urges people to refill their feeders little and often. Not only will this help prevent squirrels from finding a regular excess of food, but it will also benefit the health of the birds.
Refilling your bird feeder with smaller amounts of seeds, but doing so more regularly, helps reduce the spread of diseases. This should be combined with regular cleaning as well.