Gardeners should scatter chilli powder in gardens in December for important reason
Birds have faced challenges for several years - this hack can help them
Gardeners are being encouraged to sprinkle chilli powder in their gardens this December for a crucial reason. It may seem odd, but this technique is the ideal way to provide food for hungry birds without it being snatched by other creatures, particularly during winter when wildlife struggles to find sustenance.
Bird populations have been facing challenges for several years, with gardeners noting fewer sightings than usual. The drastic decline in insect numbers - down by as much as 80% over the past two decades due to habitat loss and climate change - is believed to be impacting the entire food chain, leaving birds with less to eat and increasing their risk of starvation, especially during the colder months when food is scarce.
This is why gardeners are being urged to help out our feathered friends by leaving out bird food as the weather gets chillier. However, one major issue with leaving out bird food is that other animals, such as squirrels, will attempt to nab it.
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This is where the chilli powder comes into play. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or any platform where you leave food for the birds (and if you don't, consider getting one), then you can leave a mix of peanuts, seeds, mealworms and fruit slices like apple for the birds to feast on.
Flawed apples and pears entice our feathered friends, while leftover bits like pastry, cooked rice, and breadcrumbs can also supplement their diet, according to the experts at RSPB. But don't get carried away with these extras, reports the Express.
Here's a spicy tip to keep that food bird-exclusive: sprinkle it with lashings of chilli powder. The peckish birds won't even notice—but squirrels and foxes? They can't stand the heat.
This ensures the treats are saved for the winged ones. The bird-saving organisation advises, "When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms.
"Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds. Household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs should only be offered in small amounts occasionally.
"Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (like tabasco) can be shaken onto bird food. Birds aren't bothered by the chilli, but most squirrels can't put up with the burning sensation and will leave the food alone."
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