Spicy bird seed can help discourage squirrels and keep them away from your birdseed feeders. While it’s impossible to completely stop squirrels from accessing feeders, spiced bird seeds do slow them down considerably and help ensure your feeders become bird only zones.
Moderate doses of capsaicin do not harm birds as their tastebuds and digestive systems are far less sensitive.
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Red Pepper Flakes
Capsaicin interacts with receptors on mammals’ mouth and skin, producing a burning sensation that’s noticeable through mouth, skin and nose hairs. Since birds don’t possess these receptors, the heat from pepper flakes does not bother them as much, leading to their close relationship with birds consuming and dispersing its seeds.
If a mammal such as a squirrel attempts to consume peppers, their seeds often become lodged between its molars, forcing it to chew in order to release them from its mouth, eyes and digestive system. This process also causes irritation in its wake.
Mixing red pepper flakes into your wild bird seed can help deter squirrels. Many stores now sell seed that comes pre-spicy; you won’t have to add anything extra. Chilli oil provides another wet option that sticks better to seeds than red pepper flakes; however, this option can be more costly and require frequent reapplication as it washes or blows off over time.
Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper is made from the fruit of Capsicum annuum and used to season human foods, but its medicinal uses extend far beyond mere flavoring – it may help lower blood pressure, fight cancer and more! Capsaicin’s heat also makes cayenne an effective deterrent against squirrels from taking advantage of your bird feeder!
Cayenne pepper added to seed in powder form will emit an unpleasant odor that deters and repels squirrels, rodents, raccoons and other mammals from your feeding station – in a humane and harmless way. This prevents these animals from accessing birdseed without harming any living creature in any way.
If you’re using high-quality bird seed mix, simply add three tablespoons of cayenne pepper before filling up your feeder. Chilli oil also creates an effective scent deterrent against squirrels and other pesky pests from entering your yard – plus it adheres better than powder or flakes!
Cinnamon
Cinnamon can be used in a wide range of dishes, including Black Pepper and Chicken Stew. Additionally, some wild bird seed mixes contain cinnamon to protect the feeders from squirrels or chipmunks devouring it all at once.
Cinnamon is one of the few red pepper spices safe for birds to eat, and can even strengthen their immune systems, making them feel healthier overall.
Cinnamon spice is produced from the bark of the cinnamon tree and can be either ground into powder form or used as long strips that coil into cinnamon quills sold in stores. Cassia varieties with coarser textures are more commonly available while Ceylon varieties may be harder to locate.
Cassia and Ceylon both contain the chemical cinnamaldehyde, which exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, animal and test tube studies indicate cinnamaldehyde may help protect against cancer by decreasing growth of cancerous cells and blood vessels found within tumors.
Squirrel Away
Squirrels don’t like capsaicin, the substance responsible for giving hot pepper its heat. So when spreading out bird seed for distribution, sprinkle some capsaicin-laced flakes or powder onto it before placing it out; they’ll avoid it! You may need to reapply it often or it will wash away, however some companies offer special birdseed with built-in spice so this step won’t be required as often.
Some people attempt to deter squirrels by enclosing plants with chicken wire or using other means such as tin foil wrapped around flowerpots and plant bases; although this method works well on an individual scale it may become costly and infeasible on larger ones.
Many people also mount feeders high enough for squirrels not to jump onto them, or set their feeders in a pond – both options deter squirrels by keeping their feet wet, while not allowing them to reach the food because of water barriers or jump overs.
