Quick Answer
It is generally not recommended to put cayenne pepper in bird seed. While the spicy pepper may deter squirrels and other unwanted visitors, it can also irritate or harm birds if ingested. There are other more bird-friendly options to try for deterring squirrels, like using feeders with weight sensitive perches. Ultimately, it’s best to avoid adding anything to bird seed that could potentially hurt the birds you are trying to feed and attract.
What is Cayenne Pepper?
Cayenne pepper is a hot chili pepper made from the fruits of Capsicum annuum plants. It gets its name from the city of Cayenne in French Guiana. Cayenne peppers are a popular spice used in many cuisines around the world. They have a fiery heat and bright red color.
Some key facts about cayenne pepper:
- Cayenne rates between 30,000 to 50,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), a measurement of spiciness.
- The primary active ingredient is capsaicin, which gives chiles their heat.
- In addition to capsaicin, cayenne contains vitamins A, C, B6, manganese, and potassium.
- Cayenne powder is made by drying and grinding whole cayenne peppers.
- Cayenne can be used dried or fresh in both powdered and whole forms.
- It has a hot, pungent taste and adds spice to dishes.
Cayenne pepper is used commonly in spicy cuisine, particularly Cajun and Creole cooking, Mexican dishes, Cajun seasonings, hot sauces, and chili peppers. A small amount adds noticeable heat and zest.
Heat and Flavor
The heat of cayenne pepper comes from its high capsaicin content. Capsaicin is an irritant for mammals, causing a burning sensation when it comes in contact with mucous membranes. Birds lack this sensitivity to capsaicin and do not perceive the heat.
Beyond just heat, cayenne also has a distinct fruity, slightly sweet flavor. When used in moderation, cayenne can add complexity and character to dishes. However, too much cayenne will result in intense heat that overwhelms other flavors.
Using Cayenne to Deter Squirrels
Many backyard birders use cayenne pepper to discourage squirrels and other nuisance animals like chipmunks from eating bird seed. The rationale is that mammals like squirrels will feel the burn from the capsaicin and learn to avoid the spiced food, while birds will be unaffected.
Squirrels have very sensitive olfactory systems and can detect the presence of capsaicin. When they encounter cayenne, they exhibit behaviors like sneezing and shaking their heads violently. This indicates a negative reaction. Over time, squirrels may learn to associate these unpleasant sensations with the food containing cayenne and avoid it.
To use cayenne to deter squirrels from bird feeders:
- Apply or sprinkle cayenne powder directly onto plain bird seed. Use approximately 1 part cayenne to 10 parts bird seed.
- Hang spiced feeders in areas frequented by squirrels to condition them to avoid.
- Reapply cayenne regularly, such as with each new batch of seed.
- Use pure cayenne powder, not seasoned mixes with other spices.
This technique works best when squirrels have other food options available besides the spiced bird seed. Success rates can vary considerably based on the persistence and food motivation of individual squirrels. Environmental factors like proximity to nests also impact efficacy.
Advantages
Reasons some people use cayenne pepper to deter squirrels:
- Natural and non-toxic for birds.
- Low cost and easily accessible seasoning.
- Temporary and reversible deterrent.
- Harmless to squirrels.
- Can condition squirrels to avoid feeders.
- Easy to apply to bird seed.
A major advantage to cayenne is that it doesn’t actually harm squirrels or birds. It relies on producing an unpleasant association through scent and taste. This makes it a safe, humane option for deterrence.
Disadvantages
Some downsides of using cayenne pepper include:
- May not be consistently effective, depending on squirrel motivation and persistence.
- Has to be reapplied regularly.
- Can blow away or dissipate if exposed to rain or snow.
- Messy and may stain feeders and surroundings.
- Does nothing to exclude squirrels physically.
- May affect beneficial mammalian wildlife like chipmunks.
The biggest drawback is that squirrels often habituate to cayenne over time. Individual tolerance levels vary, and frequent reapplication is required. Effectiveness also depends heavily on proper application technique and concentration.
Risks of Cayenne for Birds
While birds do not experience the oral burn of capsaicin like mammals, consuming cayenne pepper does carry some risks for birds:
- Irritation of mucous membranes – Cayenne can irritate sensitive tissues in the eyes, nose, and throat if ingested.
- Internal injuries – If enough capsaicin is consumed, it can potentially damage the crop lining and gastrointestinal tract.
- Respiratory reactions – Inhaling cayenne powder may induce coughing, sneezing, and distress.
- Altered gut bacteria – Dietary changes in capsaicin content can affect microbiome composition.
- Nutritional deficits – Some birds may refuse to eat spiced food, leading to malnutrition.
The severity of these effects depends on the specific amount and concentration of cayenne present. However, negative impacts are possible, especially for small songbird species.
Bird Safety Precautions
If using cayenne pepper bird seed, some tips to reduce risks for birds:
- Use the minimal amount needed to deter squirrels.
- Mix thoroughly to avoid concentrated pockets.
- Do not use medicated blends.
- Monitor birds closely after applying.
- Provide separate unadulterated seed.
- Avoid oil-based capsaicin products.
- Apply away from bird feeders to minimize inhalation.
Whenever possible, it is best to pursue squirrel deterrents that do not involve adding anything to bird food itself. But if cayenne pepper is used, being sparing and taking protective measures can help mitigate risks to birds.
Alternative Squirrel Deterrents
Rather than seasoning bird seed with cayenne pepper, some other options to deter squirrels:
Feeder Design
- Use weight sensitive perches that close access when heavy squirrels are present.
- Employ “squirrel baffle” domes that prevent access.
- Mount feeders on poles away from structures and trees.
- Select feeders with metal guards to limit access points.
- Use mesh fabric or wire cages to prevent entry.
Specially designed squirrel-proof feeders physically exclude squirrels while allowing birds to feed. Proper placement and installation helps enhance effectiveness.
Repellents
- Apply hot pepper wax or capsaicin gel on poles and feeders.
- Use scent repellents with black pepper, garlic, or predator urine.
- Install ultrasonic or motion-activated noise-makers.
- Scatter pine cones, gravel, or prickly shells around feeder area.
These strategies create unpleasant sensations for squirrels through touch, sound, or smell. Avoid spreading repellents directly on bird seed.
Population Management
- Use live traps and relocate squirrels.
- Eliminate access to nesting sites like attics or dense trees.
- Modify landscaping and fencing to block travel lanes.
- Apply tree guards to prevent climbing.
- Limit food sources besides bird feeders.
Reducing the number of squirrels in an area and restricting their access and shelter makes feeders less attractive. Combine multiple exclusion techniques for best results.
Key Considerations
Here are some important points to keep in mind about using cayenne pepper bird seed:
- Cayenne is not guaranteed to repel all squirrels. Individual responses vary.
- Use the minimum amount needed to deter squirrels.
- Do not add other seasonings or capsaicin oils/gels directly to bird seed.
- Monitor birds closely for signs of irritation or distress.
- Avoid spreading cayenne powder near bird feeders and baths.
- Employ additional squirrel deterrents for enhanced effectiveness.
- Consider hiring a wildlife professional for humane squirrel exclusion.
- Always provide birds with separate unadulterated sources of food and water.
The risks to birds generally outweigh the limited benefits of seasoning bird seed with cayenne pepper. But if used judiciously along with proper precautions, it can potentially help in squirrel deterrence.
Conclusion
While cayenne pepper may seem like a convenient, natural way to keep squirrels out of bird feeders, it does carry inherent risks to birds. Causing oral or respiratory irritation, gut issues, or simply deterring birds from eating are negative consequences to avoid.
Squirrels also often adapt to capsaicin over time, making cayenne an unreliable long-term solution on its own. Physical deterrents like feeder design and placement tend to be safer and more consistently effective options.
Ultimately, the wisest approach is to pursue squirrel deterrents that separate their access from the bird seed itself. But if cayenne pepper is used, exercise extreme care and diligence to minimize harm to backyard birds. With thoughtful precautions, cayenne pepper can potentially have a place in an integrated pest management plan to protect bird feeders.