Shooter41 Loc: Wichita, KS

Later yesterday afternoon, I put out fresh bird seed and peanuts for the Mourning Doves; sparrows and Snowy Woodpeckers that come to my back yard early each morning. I learned the hard way that I have to buy specially hot pepper treated feed for the birds, or the squirrels come and eat it all, while they chase the birds i want to appear, away. So this morning I got up early to fix my coffee by the kitchen window and looked out to see if the birds have arrived yet. Much to my surprise, there was a squirrel, right in the middle of a tray of bird seed and peanuts, getting ready to take a mouthful of especially treated bird food, guaranteed to be "squirrel proof." After quickly turning on my camera, I looked up in just in time to see the squirrel's mouth hanging open and a look on his face that caused me to burst out laughing. I only had time to expose one frame before he took off like his tail was on fire. When you look at the attached image, please try not to burst out laughing out of respect for the squirrel. He probably wished he had some cold milk to drink. After having the squirrels in my neighborhood consume massive quantities of untreated bird seed from my feeders, I learned that I had to buy specially treated bird seed to keep the squirrels away, in the future. I am having a problem feeling any sympathy for them. Do you feel that placing bird seed covered in hot pepper sauce to keep the squirrels from eating it all is sinful or just a necessary precaution brought on by the squirrels inconsiderate activities? (TEE Hee)

(Download)

SWFeral Loc: SWNM

This sounds like an effective and hilarious way to deal with the squirrel problems, and I've heard that it works. It almost makes me wish I had a squirrel problem just to try it out. I get lots of squirrels on my trail cameras...no, that would definitely be a sin.

jdtonkinson Loc: Red Wing, MN

At my favorite birding spot. Madera canyon, the manager has been trying the same tactic to discourage the wild turkeys, coatamundi and ring-tails from eating all the bird seed. It's not working well yet.
He may have to had more spice

dancers Loc: melbourne.victoria, australia

they all have to live.

flip1948 Loc: Hamden, CT

With his tail running up his back like that he is definitely disturbed. I've seen them do that as a sign of aggression when 2 squirrels fight.

rmorrison1116 Loc: Near Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

I actually put out both treated and untreated. The birds get their share and the squirrels get theirs.

Stephan G

Earlier this year, we had rabbits munching on a particular flowering pot. Apparently the flowers were delectable to them. We dusted the plant with pepper powder. The plant was left alone and intact until the first rainfall. We re-dusted and the rabbits moved elsewhere for their munching.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

Effective deterrent to birdseed theft!

It's certainly more humane than the feeders that sense the weight of the squirrel and begin to spin around rapidly, flinging the squirrel off the feeder and into the air.

Tman Loc: Texas

And the birds eat this hot stuff?? What is name of that seed; haven't seen anything like that at feed store where I get our bird food.
As for the squirrel, I set up a feeder just for them (peanuts and corn cobs)away from the bird feeders but I also mounted a hanger on the tree where I can put a small cup of water in it for them. Now they have a way to wash down their meal!!

Rich2236 Loc: E. Hampstead, New Hampshire

Squirrels are a big problem, yes! And no, I have no pity for them. They know where they can get food. They are akin to street peddlers begging for money at intersections and exits to markets, they want everything for nothing.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

Seems like a good deterrent for squirrels but what do the birds eat ?

BrianFlaherty Loc: Wilseyville, CA

For many years I have been sprinkling cayenne pepper (dry) over the bird seed. Works like a charm. . .The birds are not bothered because they cannot taste nor even pick up the pepper powder in their beaks. The squirrels and other varmints get the pepper powder on their paws; and, attempt to lick it off; or, they get a mouthful of cayenne when they eat the bird seed. It only takes a day or two before the squirrels are gone! And, they are not harmed.

Cayenne can be purchased at any grocery store in the "Spice" section for about $3.50 for a 16 oz container. Nothing special is needed (I use that same container of Cayenne to cook with); and, the Cayenne comes in a plastic container with a "sprinkle" lid.

David Martin Loc: Cary, NC

There are a number of formulas that contain capsaicin (an active component of chili peppers) which causes a burning sensation in mammals but has no effect on birds. After a taste or two, squirrels learn to avoid simply by detecting the scent of the capsaicin. Examples:

Cole's brand sells Hot Meats and Blazing Hot Blend
Duncraft brand sells Cajun Cardinal Bird Seed
Wagner's brand sells Hot Pepper Blend bird seed
Wild Delight brand sells Sizzle N' Heat bird seed
and there are others.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

I put out bird seed (untreated) and get fabulous pictures of birds, squirrels and chipmunks. The birds don't seem to mind the critters.

Stephan G

Capsaicin. The thing in CS (Tear Gas) that is banned for warfare, but used in civil strife.

Squirrels are breaking out the Dog Face Gas Masks!

Got tired of the annual Gas Day testing, especially three days after actual use in Riot Control situation.