Gardeners urged to place Tabasco in their plots in October

GARDENERS are urged to put Tabasco in their gardens in October for a rather surprising reason.

With temperatures dropping, now is a good time to help local wildlife as food supplies dwindle.

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Birds in particular are at risk of starvation due to declining numbers of insects.

According to the Express, insect populations have declined by as much as 80 percent over the past two decades due to habitat loss and climate change.

While leaving food for birds can be very helpful, it can be difficult to prevent foxes and squirrels from stealing the food that contains our hot sauce.

The RSPB explains: “Strong chilli powder or pepper sauce (such as Tabasco) can be shaken onto bird food.

“Birds are not bothered by the chili, but most squirrels cannot tolerate the burning sensation and leave the food alone.”

When it comes to what food to distribute, the RSPB suggests: “a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live foods such as mealworms and waxworms.”

“Fruit, especially bruised apples and pears, will be popular with thrushes and blackbirds.

“Household leftovers such as pastries, cooked rice and breadcrumbs should only be offered occasionally in small quantities.”

It is also important to include hydration stations in the garden.

The RSPB advises that when choosing a bird table, wood may look beautiful, but metal, plastic and polycarbonate are easier to clean.

The smoother and straighter the post, the harder it is for cats and squirrels to climb on it.

Finally, remember that all bird nests and eggs are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981.

It is illegal to deliberately damage or destroy the nest of a wild bird while it is in use or under construction, or to take or destroy their eggs.

So before you start pruning, check that no birds are breeding.