People called for bird feeders to be protected from garden pests with 75p kitchen staples

GARDENERS have been urged to mix a cheap kitchen product into their bird food over winter to prevent wildlife pests from stealing the food.

The colder weather and frozen ground can cause small birds, including robins and starlings, to struggle to keep their energy up during the holidays.

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So in winter they have to rely more on bird feeders and food left out for them.

The Royal Horticultural Society says: “Garden birds in particular benefit from year-round feeding, but winter is a time to offer foods high in fat to keep them warm.

“Feed regularly so birds don’t waste vital energy visiting your garden when there is no food.”

But squirrels and rats often beat the birds to the easy food source.

To help you, the RSPB has a snappy answer to your problem.

Chili powder is a safe and effective way to ensure that only the intended recipients of bird seed receive the food.

The bird experts suggest that gardeners sprinkle a small amount of the pungent powder over seed and suet mixtures in feeders and on tables as it will deter thieving squirrels without affecting birds’ feeding habits.

Lloyd Scott, RSPB Wildlife Adviser says: “Using chilli powder to deter squirrels is a cheap, easy and effective solution.

“Feeding garden birds is a popular – and essential – pastime in Britain and the RSPB receives thousands of calls every year from frustrated gardeners asking how they can stop squirrels eating all their birdseed.

“Squirrels can consume large amounts of peanuts and seeds, often destroying bird feeders.

“Chilli powder stops them helping themselves, but doesn’t seem to have any effect on birds at all.

“This is much easier than putting up barriers and trying to prevent squirrels from entering feeders – they are agile, smart animals and will usually find a way in anyway!”

Since a jar of chili powder only costs 75 cents at Aldi, this is a very cost-effective solution.

Make sure the seed mixtures are well covered but not hidden in the powder, put everything in a bag and shake it well.

Other deterrents you may have in your pantry include curry powder, tabasco, peri peri sauce, red pepper and cayenne pepper.

And avid gardeners have already seen the benefits of the spicy tip.

One of them said, “I’ve been using paprika for a few years and it seems to work quite well.”

A second wrote: “I was a bit skeptical but I have definitely seen someone wash their mouth several times after coming near the now spicy suet pellets I had put out.

“As for the birds, they didn’t seem that interested, but eventually they started eating it.”

Meanwhile, a third added: “It definitely works for me. It may not work for everyone (a hungry squirrel is a determined squirrel) and it may take a bit of trial and error to get the proportions of the chilli right , but it’s worth a try.”