Food as a Critter-Proofing Tool
Food choice is one of the most effective — and overlooked — ways to reduce squirrel and critter activity.
Hot Pepper Foods: A Game-Changer
Birds do not taste hot pepper the way mammals do. They lack the receptors that detect capsaicin, so it tastes completely normal to them.
Squirrels, raccoons, possums, and deer?
They strongly disagree.
Hot pepper bird foods are widely regarded as safe and are even recommended by trusted organizations like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Some birds even eat hot pepper seeds naturally in the wild.
Not All Hot Pepper Foods Are Equal
Quality matters.
- Big-box versions often use pepper dust
- Effective versions use hot pepper oil that soaks into the seed
- DIY versions rarely work — a sprinkle of cayenne just isn’t potent enough.
Use It Correctly
- Best used in tube feeders or covered tray feeders
- Rain can dilute potency over time
- After heavy rain, squirrels may test feeders again
During nesting season, nursing squirrels may tolerate spice a bit more — but most people still see excellent results. Shop the best quality hot pepper foods now!
Hot Pepper Comes in Many Forms
- loose seed
- suet cakes
- seed cylinders
- suet balls & plugs
- bark butter & bark butter bits
Spreading hot pepper bark butter on a tree is one of my favorite ways to attract shy birds — without feeding the squirrels.
What It Works On (and What It Doesn’t)
Works well for:
- squirrels
- raccoons
- possums
- deer
Not recommended for:
- certain species of rats
- marsh rats (they’re indifferent here in the Lowcountry)
- deterring larger birds
Safflower Seed: The Old Standby
Safflower is a small white seed with a bitter taste and thick shell.
Many birds enjoy it:
- cardinals
- doves
- chickadees
- titmice
Squirrels and raccoons generally don’t prefer it.
Tradeoff:
It may exclude birds like woodpeckers, jays, nuthatches, and bluebirds — and the shells can create ground mess.
A clean feeding station is important.