Gardeners urged to sprinkle chilli powder in the yard this summer — and it’s not as strange as it sounds

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There’s an important reason

sprinkling chilli powder on grass
(Image credit: Future)

Summer is officially underway, and the ideal time to get outdoors and enjoy your beautiful backyard.

And it seems like we’re not the only ones taking advantage of the warm weather, and feasting in your backyard.

This is because gardeners are being urged to sprinkle chilli powder in their yard this summer — and it’s not just for our cooking!

In fact, there’s actually an important reason for this. Here’s why.

Use chilli powder to safeguard hungry birds

A bird feeder with seven birds feeding on it

A bird feeder with seven birds feeding on it (Image credit: Shutterstock)

According to experts, adding chilli powder alongside bird food will deter other animals from eating their precious food.

This is especially important during summer months when food is scarce, and birds are struggling to find food for themselves.

What’s more, July and August are the prime months when an abundance of chicks would have been born, who are in desperate need of feeding.

Trouble is, once you leave out bird food, it’s inevitable for other animals such as squirrels and foxes to try and steal it.

Surprisingly, chilli powder is a quick and affordable method to keep predators at bay. And while we might enjoy adding a spicy kick to our dishes, it turns out pests hate the strong smell.

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Keep predators out with spice

Hummingbird feeding on garden feeder

Hummingbird feeding on garden feeder (Image credit: Shutterstock)

When you’re leaving out bird food on a table, bowl or feeder, simply sprinkle chilli powder or flakes over the food.

This won’t harm the birds at all, but will do well to keep squirrels away — leaving all the food to the hungry birds.

In fact, chilli powder is a great, non-toxic deterrent for most pests such as ants.

“As well as disliking the smell of chilli powder, it can also irritate the ants’ skin making it a good deterrent,” states an expert at GardenBuildingsDirect.co.uk.

“Either sprinkle the powder or create a spray. However, be careful with this if you have children or pets. Chilli powder on little hands or paws can lead to problems.”

So if you want to safeguard birds in your yard, you might have to delve into your kitchen spice rack this summer.

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Cynthia Lawrence
Cynthia Lawrence
Content Editor, Homes

As the Homes Content Editor, Cynthia Lawrence covers all things homes, interior decorating, and garden-related. She has a wealth of editorial experience testing the latest, ‘must-have’ home appliances, writing buying guides and the handy ‘how to’ features. 


Her work has been published in various titles including, T3, Top Ten Reviews, Ideal Home, Real Homes, Livingetc. and House Beautiful, amongst many.


With a rather unhealthy obsession for all things homes and interiors, she also has an interior design blog for style inspiration and savvy storage solutions (get rid of that clutter!). When she’s not testing cool products, she’ll be searching online for more decor ideas to spruce up her family home or looking for a great bargain!


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