Can You Put Cayenne Pepper in Birdseed to Keep Squirrels Away?
The answer is a resounding yes! Can you put cayenne pepper in birdseed to keep squirrels away? Absolutely, and it’s a generally safe and effective method, as birds are largely unaffected by the capsaicin that squirrels find irritating.
The Squirrel-Bird Feeder Dilemma
The battle for bird feeders is a classic backyard drama. Bird lovers diligently fill their feeders, hoping to attract a variety of feathered friends. However, squirrels, with their acrobatic skills and insatiable appetites, often crash the party, emptying the feeder and leaving the birds hungry. This leads many to seek humane ways to deter squirrels without harming them or the birds. Can you put cayenne pepper in birdseed to keep squirrels away? is a question driven by this very frustration.
Why Cayenne Pepper Works (and Why it Doesn’t Hurt Birds)
The secret lies in capsaicin, the chemical compound that gives chili peppers their heat. Mammals, including squirrels, have taste receptors that are highly sensitive to capsaicin. It triggers a burning sensation that they find unpleasant, deterring them from continuing to eat the treated birdseed. Birds, however, lack these same taste receptors. They can’t taste the capsaicin, so they’re perfectly happy to eat the spiced-up seed. This makes cayenne pepper a natural and selective deterrent.
How to Apply Cayenne Pepper to Birdseed
- Purchase Cayenne Pepper: You can find cayenne pepper powder in the spice aisle of most grocery stores or online. Ensure it is pure cayenne pepper, without added salts or seasonings.
- Mix it In: Combine the cayenne pepper powder with your birdseed in a large container. A general guideline is 1-2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper per 10 pounds of birdseed. You may need to experiment to find the right amount for your specific squirrel population.
- Thoroughly Coat the Seed: Stir the mixture vigorously to ensure the cayenne pepper is evenly distributed throughout the birdseed. Shaking the container with a lid secured can also help.
- Refill Your Feeder: Once the birdseed is thoroughly coated, refill your bird feeders as usual.
- Monitor and Adjust: Observe how the squirrels react. If they’re still enthusiastically devouring the birdseed, you may need to increase the amount of cayenne pepper slightly.
Considerations and Potential Drawbacks
While generally safe and effective, there are a few considerations:
- Dustiness: Cayenne pepper can be quite dusty. Wear a mask when mixing it with birdseed to avoid inhaling the powder.
- Eye Irritation: Avoid getting cayenne pepper in your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly after handling the treated birdseed.
- Initial Hesitation: Birds might be slightly hesitant at first if the cayenne pepper is particularly strong. They will quickly get used to it.
- Weather: Rain can wash away the cayenne pepper, requiring you to reapply it more frequently.
Alternatives to Cayenne Pepper
If you’re hesitant to use cayenne pepper, other options exist:
- Squirrel-Proof Feeders: These feeders are designed to prevent squirrels from accessing the birdseed, using cages, weight-activated closures, or other barriers.
- Safflower Seed: Squirrels generally dislike safflower seeds, while many birds enjoy them.
- Nyjer Seed: Similarly, squirrels tend to avoid Nyjer seed, which is a favorite of finches.
- Location, Location, Location: Place feeders far from trees or other structures that squirrels can easily use to jump onto them.
Comparing Squirrel Deterrents
| Method | Effectiveness | Safety for Birds | Safety for Squirrels | Cost | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| :———————– | :———— | :————— | :—————— | :—– | :———- |
| Cayenne Pepper | High | High | High (Deterrent) | Low | Moderate |
| Squirrel-Proof Feeders | High | High | High | Medium | Low |
| Safflower Seed | Moderate | High | High | Medium | Low |
| Nyjer Seed | Moderate | High | High | High | Low |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will cayenne pepper hurt the birds?
No, cayenne pepper will not hurt the birds. Birds lack the taste receptors that make capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne pepper, unpleasant to mammals like squirrels. They are completely unaffected by it.
How much cayenne pepper should I use?
Start with 1-2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper powder per 10 pounds of birdseed. You can adjust the amount based on the effectiveness against squirrels. Some people use up to 4 tablespoons per 10 pounds, but start conservatively.
What kind of cayenne pepper should I buy?
Purchase plain, powdered cayenne pepper from the spice aisle. Avoid blends or seasonings that contain salt or other additives that could be harmful to birds.
How often do I need to reapply the cayenne pepper?
You’ll likely need to reapply the cayenne pepper every few weeks, especially after rain. Rain can wash away the pepper, reducing its effectiveness.
Will the cayenne pepper attract other pests?
No, cayenne pepper is not known to attract other pests. In fact, it can sometimes act as a deterrent to certain insects.
Can I use chili flakes instead of cayenne pepper powder?
While you can use chili flakes, cayenne pepper powder is preferable. The powder distributes more evenly throughout the birdseed. If you use flakes, grind them into a finer consistency first.
Is it safe to use cayenne pepper in hummingbird feeders?
No, do not use cayenne pepper in hummingbird feeders. While it wouldn’t necessarily harm the hummingbirds, they are very sensitive to any changes in the nectar and may abandon the feeder altogether.
What if the squirrels still eat the birdseed with cayenne pepper?
If squirrels persist despite the cayenne pepper, consider increasing the amount slightly. Also, ensure that the pepper is thoroughly mixed and coating all the seeds. You might also want to explore squirrel-proof feeders as a more reliable solution.
Can I use a liquid cayenne pepper solution instead of powder?
Using a liquid solution is generally not recommended. It can make the birdseed clumpy and potentially moldy. Powdered cayenne pepper is easier to mix and distribute evenly.
Does the type of birdseed matter when using cayenne pepper?
No, the type of birdseed generally doesn’t matter. You can add cayenne pepper to any type of birdseed mix. However, be aware that some birds prefer certain seeds over others, so choose a mix that attracts the birds you want to see.
Will the cayenne pepper stain my bird feeder?
Cayenne pepper is unlikely to stain most bird feeders. However, porous materials like unfinished wood might absorb some of the color.
Is it ethical to use cayenne pepper to deter squirrels?
Yes, using cayenne pepper to deter squirrels is generally considered ethical. It’s a humane method that simply discourages them from eating the birdseed without causing them any lasting harm. The goal is to deter, not injure. Can you put cayenne pepper in birdseed to keep squirrels away ethically? Yes, it is viewed as a safe deterrent.