Cayenne pepper is an effective, natural irritant that will deter squirrels from your bird feeder without endangering any birds.
Capsaicin-treated bird seed has been on the market for more than 15 years, without ornithologists or hobbyists reporting its use causing declines in bird populations or health problems in birds.
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Birds Love It
Birds possess far fewer taste buds than mammals and cannot detect capsaicin, the substance responsible for pepper’s spicy heat. Therefore, birds can enjoy spicy seed without feeling anything other than joy from eating it!
Capsicum peppers are grown and then dried on plants before being ground into powder and used as bird food, with various levels of heat available for purchase. There is also an oil spray version which coats seed for similar results.
Some stores sell wild bird seed treated with chili oil or flakes to deter squirrels, but be mindful to apply this product regularly as its benefits could soon wear off or wash away in the wind. You could also spray your feeders lightly with kitchen cooking oil to prevent powder or flakes from washing away so quickly.
Squirrels Don’t
Hot pepper can be used to deter squirrels from bird feeders in many forms – flakes, powders and even cayenne pepper can all work effectively to deter these nuisance critters from reaching your seed supply. Some versions require diluting before mixing directly into bird seed while oils must be reapplied often as they wash off or blow away from their application site.
Peppers with capsaicin can provide the optimal solution, creating an unpleasant burning sensation when squirrels come in contact with it and deterring them from trying to reach seeds in future visits to feeders.
To protect birds from squirrels, use a cage-style feeder or mount it on a line they cannot reach – both will deter squirrels from accessing their food source while encouraging them to look elsewhere for sustenance. Or create an obstacle course of fishing line, empty thread spools, or plastic bottles strung together on one as an incentive for birds to jump across in order to reach seeds on your feeders.
It’s Safe for Birds
Many people fear that using pepper or chilli oil to keep squirrels at bay from their bird feeders will also harm the birds, however using a product like Wild Bird Seed with capsaicin will only affect squirrels; its heat only affects squirrels as birds have no taste buds capable of sensing heat; their digestive systems can easily handle even very spicy foods.
Chilli oil, powder, or flakes do not harm birds in any way but are extremely effective at deterring squirrels from coming near your feeders. By regularly using chilli products over time will deter most squirrels from coming near, giving you more enjoyment watching birds without their nuisance presence.
As soon as products like Squirrel Away first hit the market, there were widespread fears they might harm birds. However, anecdotal evidence indicates otherwise and no reports have surfaced of declining bird populations due to these products’ use.
It’s Effective
Capsaicin found in pepper can irritate and burn squirrels’ mouths, dissuading them from feeding on bird seed. Meanwhile, birds remain unharmed by this process and can still consume it freely; additionally, capsaicin may even provide added immunity benefits for these feathered friends!
Mix cayenne powder with a small amount of oil before applying it to bird seed, to help it adhere better and stay in place during rain or snow showers. Oil also improves adhesion as powder or flakes don’t bond well to seed surfaces.
Step two is adding the oiled mixture to your feeders. Be sure to give yourself enough time to stir everything thoroughly so all components of the mixture are evenly mixed before storing it in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag to protect it from environmental elements until you’re ready to watch your feathered friends at your feeders!