Gardeners can protect robins and blackbirds from squirrels with simple food hack

SQUIRRELS CAN BE A PAIN IF THEY'RE EATING ALL THE BIRD FOOD YOU'VE PUT OUT, BUT THERE'S A SIMPLE FOOD HACK THAT WILL HELP KEEP THEM AWAY FROM YOUR GARDEN AND BIRD FEEDERS

15:46, 21 May 2025 Watching a squirrel dash up a tree might be charming, yet it's quite the nuisance when they raid bird feeders, much to the dismay of gardeners who set them up. These

furry intruders can disrupt the vital sustenance that many birds depend on during late spring, whether for breeding or returning from migration. Should squirrels monopolise the bird feed,

they risk becoming too reliant on these easy meals rather than foraging as nature intended. This could lead to an increase in the local squirrel population and deter birds, leaving your

garden less frequented by our feathered friends. Nevertheless, Ark Wildlife's experts have shared a remarkably straightforward trick to keep squirrels at bay: just a dash of fiery

cayenne pepper. Their advice is clear: "This one feels almost too simple, but it works. Cayenne pepper is a natural squirrel deterrent; just sprinkle a little in the bird seed."

GET ALL THE LATEST MONEY NEWS AND BUDGETING TIPS FROM CHRONICLE LIVE WITH OUR FREE NEWSLETTER They assure that "Birds don't have the same receptors for spicy heat, so they

won't notice, but squirrels will take one sniff and back away.", reports the Mirror. Due to their highly sensitive olfactory senses, squirrels find cayenne pepper intolerable,

which means they'll likely avoid a bird feeder after just one spicy encounter. For those keen to try this approach, simply stir one tablespoon of cayenne pepper into your bird seed mix

and remember to reapply following any rain, since the spice can be washed away. When concocting your bird feed, slip on your gloves to avoid that pungent spice getting in your eyes or mouth

– it's a simple tip for hassle-free preparation. Those cheeky squirrels will steer clear of your bird table if you're generous with the cayenne pepper, but choosing the correct

bird seed is another savvy strategy to deter them. For avid bird watchers: "Not all bird food is equally attractive to squirrels. While they'll devour sunflower seeds, peanuts, and

suet without a second thought, there are some options they're less keen on." Article continues below Safflower seeds may not be common knowledge, but birds adore them due to high

fatty acid content and squirrels won't raid these as they get little nutrition from them – they'll eventually twig and keep their distance. These seeds also have an added benefit;

they're imbued with a bitter taste that squirrels detest, whereas birds remain totally indifferent. Invest some elbow grease into protecting your feeder and you'll be generously

rewarded, providing for winged wonders such as swallows, blackbirds, magpies, and even robins while naturally repelling unwanted visitors.