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Lots of people like feeding birds, as placing food in the garden can often encourage the gorgeous creatures to visit. However, if you're worried about attracting rats, you may not have to fret about it anymore as something could help to keep them away.

If you want to attract birds to your garden this June, without inviting any unwanted visitors along at the same time, it turns out all you need is a simple spice. It's said adding it to your feeder could make a big difference, as it will ensure the birds keep stopping by without attracting unwanted rodents in the process, so it's a great hack to know.

It's not the only advice of its kind to be shared either. A few months back, people were also told another method they can use to help keep rats out of their gardens.

According to gardening guru Dave, also known as Dave the Plantman online, a simple spice found in most households can deter these pests. In a video previously shared on Instagram, he showed that only one item is needed to accomplish this task.

In the clip, he was seen speaking to a man named Bob, who sells chilli powder, and it was suggested that mixing chilli powder with bird seed is a really good way to deter rats. It turns out, they dislike the smell of it.

Holding up an example of a feeder, Bob said: "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."

He added: "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 thought it was a "top tip" for keeping pests at bay, and it's incredibly simple to use. If you're a bird lover, there's no need to worry either.

Chilli, when used in small quantities, doesn't cause harm to birds. Sprinkling a little chilli powder into bird food is a common tactic to ward off squirrels and rats, as they can sense the spice and will stay away from the feed.

The key is to use it sparingly to avoid potential irritation and to ensure the powder doesn't get into the birds' eyes. It's vital to use it in moderation to avoid causing any problems for the birds.

All you need to do is lightly sprinkle a small amount of chilli powder into the seed mix or suet before placing it in the feeder. You need to evenly coat the food to prevent clumping.

If your goal is to keep rats or mice away from your property, as well as your bird feeders, then you can scatter chilli powder, or chilli flakes, around entry points and potential nesting areas. They don't like 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 then reapply it after rain. If you experience wet weather, you may need to apply it more often.

While chilli is safe for birds, it can cause irritation to pets such as cats or dogs. This is why you need to be careful with it, as pets should avoid contact with it.

Nonetheless, it's seen as a humane method for 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 needed to ensure it keeps working.

It's quite easy to deter rats; however, if you suspect an infestation, always seek the advice of an expert to help remedy the issue.