Gardeners urged to sprinkle chilli powder in the garden this October

Gardeners are being urged to put out chilli powder - because it can protect birds and their food from being stolen. It's estimated that we've lost one in six birds of the last 40 years

Gardeners across the UK are being encouraged to sprinkle chilli powder in their gardens this October.

It may seem strange, but this fiery orange spice can serve a crucial role in your garden as autumn sets in. This time of year is crucial for feeding birds before they hibernate or migrate for winter, and chilli powder can help safeguard the food left out for them from being snatched and consumed by other less deserving creatures. Birds have had a tough year.

Gardeners have reported seeing fewer birds than usual, a claim supported by RSPB data showing that over the past four decades, we've lost one in six birds. The drastic decline in insect numbers - down by as much as 80 percent in the last 20 years due to habitat loss and climate change - is believed to be having ripple effects up the food chain, with birds having far less to eat, putting them at risk of starvation.

That's why gardeners are being urged to do their bit for birds and leave out bird food. However, leaving bird food out poses a significant problem as other animals like squirrels or foxes will attempt to steal it.

This is where chilli powder comes into play. If you have a birdbath or bird table, or any platform where you leave bird food (and if you don't, consider getting one), then you can leave a mix of peanuts, seeds, mealworms and slices of fruit like apple for birds to feast on, reports the Express.

The RSPB has shared a spicy tip for bird lovers to keep their feathered friends' food safe from pesky squirrels and foxes. By sprinkling chilli powder over the bird feed, only the birds will enjoy the feast, as they are immune to the heat of the chilli, unlike their furry competitors.

The charity advises: "When buying bird food, try to get a good mix of peanuts, seeds and live food like mealworms and waxworms." They also suggest offering fruit such as bruised apples and pears which are favourites among thrushes and Blackbirds, while household scraps should be given sparingly.

To deter squirrels, they recommend: "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."