Rats can be more of a problem for people during the winter months, as they come closer to our properties as they seek warmth and food; however, you can still feed birds and keep them away from your garden
Rats can become a bigger nuisance during the winter months as they seek warmth and food in our homes and buildings; however, there’s a simple solution to help keep them at bay. According to gardening guru Dave, also known as Dave the Plantman online, a common spice found in most households can deter these pests.
Sprinkling a bit of this kitchen staple in your garden could make a significant difference. It’s an easy task to carry out during the winter months to keep rats away, and it takes just seconds to do to keep your home and garden free of rats.
In a previous video shared on Instagram, he revealed that only one item is needed to accomplish this task. This is useful information as people are constantly seeking ways to permanently get rid of rats.
Speaking to a man named Bob, who sells chilli powder, it was suggested that mixing chilli powder with bird seed is an effective way to attract birds while repelling rats, as they dislike the smell of it.
It was noted: “Something like that, we’d put a level teaspoon in, and it will deter rats, mice, squirrels. I’ve even got a customer in Cumbria who puts it on her roses to keep the deer off.”
Bob continued: “I’ve also been told by other customers if you put it around your bulbs when you’re planting them, it will deter them from digging them up.”
Dave shared what he believes is a “top tip” for keeping pests at bay, and it’s incredibly simple to implement. If you’re a bird lover, there’s no need to fret.
Chilli, when used in small quantities, doesn’t harm birds. Sprinkling a bit of chilli powder into bird food is a common tactic to ward off squirrels and rats, as they can sense the spice and will steer clear of the feed.
The trick is to use it sparingly to prevent potential irritation and to ensure the powder doesn’t get into the birds’ eyes. It’s crucial to use it in moderation to avoid causing any problems for the birds.
All that’s required is to lightly sprinkle a small amount of chilli powder into the seed mix or suet before placing it in the feeder. Make sure to evenly coat the food to prevent clumping.
How to use chilli powder to deter rats
If your aim is to keep rats or mice away from your property, as well as your bird feeders, then you can scatter it, or chilli flakes, around entry points and potential nesting areas. They’re not fans of it, as the capsaicin irritates their sense of smell, so it should keep them at bay.
You could also spray a solution of chilli oil or powder mixed with water, and reapply it after rain. During the winter, when we experience a lot of wet weather, you may need to reapply it more frequently.
While chilli is safe for birds, it can cause irritation to pets such as cats or dogs. Therefore, careful use and placement are advised to prevent direct ingestion or contact by pets.
Nonetheless, it’s seen as a humane method of deterring rats, as it doesn’t inflict any harm on them. However, due to the powder or spray being washed away by rain, regular application is required to ensure its effectiveness.
It’s quite straightforward to deter rats; however, if you suspect an infestation, professional advice should always be sought to help remove them from your property.
