Spice up your bird feeders with tabasco to deter squirrels this spring, RSPB urges

Despite many common British birds such as robins remaining in the UK throughout winter, bird populations surge during March and April as warmer spring weather encourages them to find a mate and nest.

As spring approaches, garden enthusiasts are being encouraged to spice up their bird feeders with tabasco or hot sauce in a bid to support the increased number of birds preparing for breeding season.

Many common British birds, such as robins, remain in the UK throughout winter. However, bird populations surge during March and April as warmer spring weather encourages them to find a mate and nest. This results in an influx of starlings, sparrows, finches, tits and blackbirds scouring gardens for food.

However, due to a significant decrease in insect populations - studies suggest a decline of up to 60 percent over the past two decades - birds have considerably less natural food sources available, increasing their risk of starvation.

This is why gardeners are being urged to make a difference by leaving out food for our feathered friends. Birds enjoy a variety of foods including specially made bird food mixes like mealworms, as well as household items such as sultanas, raisins, oats, sunflower seeds and various other nuts and seeds.

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The challenge with leaving food out on bird feeders is that it often attracts unwanted visitors like squirrels and rats. Grey squirrels, in particular, pose a significant threat to birds, reports the Express.

They are invasive species that have largely displaced native red squirrels across the UK. Not only do they consume birds' eggs, but they also damage trees, dig up planted bulbs and eat food intended for birds.

Gardeners who enjoy the company of birds but want to deter squirrels are being offered a spicy tip by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). They suggest adding a bit of heat to bird feeders or baths, using ingredients like Tabasco or chilli powder flakes.

The RSPB advises: "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.

"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."