Using spicy bird seed to deter squirrels (1 Viewer)

[BirdingWithNat]

Hi!


What have been your experiences with using spicy bird seed to deter squirrels? Have you noticed squirrels getting accosted to it? Or squirrels being more likely to eat it in winter?


Have you seen the spicy bird seed being harmful to the squirrels that do it eat (trying to wash their mouth or showing signs of distress)?

 

[Mike Crawley]

I bought a chilli spray, worked well when fresh but needed regular refreshing. It seems they tried the food, found it distasteful and left it alone.
Worked on fat balls, seeds and peanuts.
I noticed no ill effects on the (Grey) Squirrels in my garden.

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum.

My experience is that it does not work. The squirrels in our garden munched away very happily with no noticeable effects. I think they were pleased with the”improved flavour”.

 

[Montereyman]

I use feeders like the "squirrel buster" to feed the birds and also make use of barriers on the posts supporting the feeders. Not foolproof but reasonably effective.