Why Brits are being told to sprinkle chilli powder in their gardens this summer

It’s tough out there for the birds.

In the past 20 years, insect numbers have fallen by as much as 80% thanks to climate change, habitat destruction and getting swept up by car windscreens, and so a major avian food source has been massively impacted.

Along with that, domestic cats are a problem for bird populations too, with estimates ranging from 40 to 70 million cat-inflicted bird deaths in the UK each year.

People have, anecdotally, been reporting a decline in bird sightings too, and with so many millions being killed by cats alone, it’s no wonder.

Gardeners have almost always put out bird seed for our feathered friends, but now there’s an added urgency to make sure they’ve got enough grub.

There's a surprising reason why chilli powder is your secret weapon (Oscar Wong/Getty Images)

Of course, other critters will get into bird feeders, particularly squirrels, mice and rats, but it turns out there’s a clever way you can make sure it’s just for the birds.

Bird and wildlife conservation charity RSPB has advised lacing your bird seed with chilli powder, and it’s all to do with the compound that makes chilli spicy.

Capsaicin is the root of spicy foods, with higher levels equating to higher intensity.

While it’s a useful defensive feature for plants to avoid being eaten, birds are particularly helpful for spreading seeds and keeping the cycle moving.

Thanks to nature’s knack for trial and error, capsaicin sets mammalian mouths on fire, but birds are immune to it.

If you sprinkle chilli powder in your bird feeder, on the lawn or anywhere else you’re placing bird food, squirrels and the like will give it a wide berth while the birds chow down spice-free.

The RSPB recommended peanuts, seeds, slices of fruit, and mealworms as ideal bird food. While pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs are also useful, the RSPB said those options are less preferable.

“When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms,” said the RSPB.

“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.

This guy could be in for a spicy surprise (Artmandave/Getty Images)

“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.”

Now it isn't just Jesse Pinkman using chilli powder as their secret ingredient.