Gardeners urged to sprinkle chilli powder in garden in October

Gardeners are being urged to scatter chilli powder in their gardens this October for an important reason. It might sound odd, but chilli powder is the perfect way to protect food left out for hungry birds - so it doesn't get stolen by other animals, especially as we head into autumn and winter when natural food becomes more scarce.

Birds continue to face challenges finding enough to eat, with populations under threat in the UK as food availibility continue to decline. The massive reduction in insect numbers - down as much as 60% in the UK in the last 20 years thanks to habitat loss and climate change - is thought to be having knock-on effects right up the food chain. Birds have far less to eat, which is putting them at risk of starvation. That's why gardeners are being asked to do what they can for birds and leave bird food out even in autumn and winter.

Bird feed firm Peckish says that October is marked by a 'flurry of activity' for garden birds, and there's a slight increase in bird feeding activity as birds begin to prepare for winter.

That can mean the appearance of some more unusual species like fieldfare, coal tits and redwing.

It says: "October is when we expect a flurry of garden activity as many birds begin to prepare for winter.

This is a great time to watch out for Jays as they cache acorns or peanuts in the ground. Other crows will then follow them to steal the Jay's hard earned treasure. Coal Tits will also stow smaller seeds for the colder parts of winter, including underneath roof tiles and in sheds.

"Our winter thrushes will be arriving. Redwings can be heard sweeping over gardens at night as they migrate south. Fieldfares will be seen in more rural areas, but will move into gardens as fruits and seeds become scarce. Resident thrushes, like Song Thrush and Blackbird, will have their populations boosted by migrant birds, so our gardens will feel full of life soon enough."

But one problem with leaving bird food out is that other animals - like grey squirrels - will try to steal it.

That's where the chilli powder comes in. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or something which you leave bird food on for the birds (and if you don't have one, consider getting one), then you can leave a mix of chopped peanuts, seeds, mealworms and slices of fruit like apples out for birds to eat.

But lace all of it with a scattering of chilli powder or chilli flakes, including water, and the birds will have the food and water all to themselves. That's because birds aren't at all affected by the spicy taste of chilli, whereas squirrels and foxes hate it. That way, all of the food and water is left for the hungry and thirsty birds.

The RSPB says: "When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms.

"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."

The Express put this to the test, too, and found that it really does work.