Anyone with green fingers should put the spice outside to help a hungry animal. Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Get the latest top news stories sent straight to your inbox with our daily newsletter We have more newsletters Garden enthusiasts are being encouraged to sprinkle chilli powder in their gardens this month. This seemingly odd advice is actually a clever trick to ensure food left out for birds isn't snatched by other creatures.
Bird populations have been struggling, with gardeners noting fewer sightings than usual. This is believed to be due to a significant decrease in insect numbers which is down by as much as 80 percent over the past two decades due to habitat loss and climate change and has subsequently reduced the birds' food supply, increasing their risk of starvation. Hence why gardeners are being urged to help by leaving out bird food.
However, one major issue is that other animals, such as squirrels, often steal the food, the Express reports. This is where the chilli powder comes into play, to keep others from hoarding in on their feast. If you have a birdbath or bird table (or if you don't, consider getting one), you can leave a mix of peanuts, seeds, mealworms and slices of fruit like apples for the birds.
Bruised apples and pears are particularly appealing to birds, and household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs can also be used, although the Royal Society for the.