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Gardeners are being told to put chilli powder in their gardens in July for a really vital reason. It sounds quite strange, but the orangey substance is the perfect way to leave food out for hungry birds as we pass through the warmest summer months, without it being nicked by other animals.

Birds have faced challenges, now linked to the loss of habitats and the relative scarcity of food they can eat. Gardeners have reported seeing far fewer birds than before, with the RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch tracking the reduction in bird populations in people’s gardens over the past decades. The massive reduction in insect numbers – down as much as 80% in the last 20 years thanks to habitat loss and climate change – is thought to be having knock-on effects right up the food chain, as birds have far less to eat, which is putting birds at risk of starvation.

That’s why many gardeners try to do what they can for birds and leave bird food out.

But one huge problem with leaving bird food out is that other animals – like squirrels – will try to steal it. That’s where the chilli powder comes in.

If you have a birdbath or bird feeder, then you can and should leave mealworms, suet, fat balls and slices of fruit like apples out for birds to eat – but not seeds, the RSPB warns.

Bruised apples and pears are really attractive to birds, and household scraps like pastry, cooked rice and breadcrumbs can be used too – although you should avoid using too much of these, say the RSPB.

But lace all of it with chilli powder, and the birds will have the food all to themselves. That’s because birds aren’t at all affected by chilli powder, whereas squirrels and foxes hate it – which leaves all the food for the birds.