Every gardener ’s nub sinks at the sight of freshly planted bulbs dug up by thirsty squirrel . Scientific research offers an encouraging answer : cayenne black pepper . Multiple controlled studies have demonstrate that capsaicin , the compound that gives pepper their estrus , effectively deters squirrels from do by country while remaining safe for birds .
How Capsaicin Affects Squirrels
Research has shown that squirrels , like other mammalian , have specific receptors ( called vanilloid receptor subtype 1 ) that detect capsaicin . When squirrels encounter capsaicin , these receptors trigger a natural avoidance response . fowl , on the other hand , lack these receptor exclusively , making this a well - targeted deterrent solution .
What the Research Shows
Scientific studies have demonstrated substantial results in discourage squirrel with capsaicin . In controlled research at Cornell University , treating areas with capsaicin reduced squirrel alimentation by up to 75 - 80 % at some test sites . Researchers maintain squirrels making light visit to treated areas and displaying unclouded shunning behaviors . ( Interested in the specific research ? We ’ll deal elaborated determination in our final glide ! )
A Humane Deterrent Solution
Research observations show that capsaicin works by triggering natural avoidance behavior in squirrels . Studies document squirrel in brief investigate cover country before go forth , often exhibit behaviors like mouth - wipe and eye - closing when find capsaicin . These observations confirm that the deterrent encourages squirrels to forage elsewhere rather than causing them harm .
Bird Safety Confirmed
Multiple studies specifically examine capsaicin ’s effect on bird . Research sustain that birds miss the receptors that make capsaicin a deterrent to squirrels . subject area documented various bird species , including chickadee , nuthatch , and redbird , feed normally in areas do by with capsaicin , with some studies even showing increased bird activity when squirrel were deter .
Safety Precautions
While capsaicin is born , research labs handle it with appropriate safety measures . Based on laboratory protocol , you should bear gloves and eye protection when mixing and apply any capsaicin result . Keep children and pets out from treatment areas during software . While studies affirm birds are untouched by capsaicin , other wildlife impact have n’t been specifically studied .
Effective Application Strategies
inquiry shows that consistent coverage is key to potency . In studies , squirrel were most deterred when capsaicin was uniformly present in target areas . Laboratory studies used commercial-grade preparations ranging from 2,000 to 40,000 Scoville Heat Units ( SHUs ) . While these accurate preparations are n’t typically available to home gardeners , ordered diligence of Capsicum annuum longum Madagascar pepper solution can create a similar handicap effect .
What to Expect
Studies documented specific squirrel responses to capsaicin treatment . Initially , squirrels may in short look into plow areas , with visit typically hold out less than a minute . However , naturalistic expectation should be go under when implementing this solution at habitation . You might remark increase body process in untreated domain of your M as squirrel adjust their scrounge radiation pattern . While some gardeners report important improvement within the first week of consistent app , the best results are reach by regularly maintaining the hinderance barrier .
Maintaining Effectiveness
Research indicates that capsaicin ’s deterrent effect can stay inviolable for several hebdomad , though some study observed slight dependance after four weeks . While specific reapplication timing was n’t learn , researcher observe that maintain consistent coverage was significant for potency .
Beyond Capsaicin
While enquiry confirms capsaicin ’s effectualness as a squirrel balk , garden protection often benefits from multiple strategies . see this scientifically verify deterrent as one tool in your garden aegis glide path . retrieve that single squirrel establish change degree of determent in studies , so issue may vary in your garden . Combine cayenne peppercorn with forcible barriers like bulb cages for mellow - time value plant life , companion planting with squirrel - repellant specie like daffodils , and timing your electric light planting to deflect peak squirrel activity periods . This multi - layered overture put up the most reliable protection for your garden .
The Science Deep Dive: Laboratory Studies
A 2010 survey published in the European Journal of Forest Research try various repellent against squirrel . The investigator found that capsaicin significantly reduce feeding time and changed squirrel behavior . Specifically , squirrels drop less time in treated areas and showed clear turning away behavior like mouthwiping and abbreviated feeding visits .
The Science Deep Dive: Field Research
Field studies offer compelling grounds for capsaicin ’s effectiveness . Cornell University researcher found important reductions in squirrel alimentation at multiple psychometric test sites , with some locations showing 75 - 80 % less squirrel bodily function . A 2019 sketch successfully used capsaicin to protect woodpecker bodily cavity from squirrel encroachment , demonstrating its effectiveness in material - world condition .
The Scientific Resources Used
For more information , see the following research paper : " The habit of repellant to trim predation of tree seed by woodwind instrument mice and grey squirrels " ( European Journal of Forest Research , 2010 ) , " Effect of cinnamon , capsaicin , cinnamamide , quinine , and shell perforation on seed predation " ( 2021 ) , " Capsaicin as a Tool for Repelling Southern Flying Squirrels from Red - cockaded Woodpecker Cavities " ( Human - Wildlife Interactions , 2019 ) , " Capsaicin as Feeding Repellent for mammal " ( Hands - On Chemical Ecology , 2009 ) , and " Capsaicin - treated seed as a squirrel deterrent at birdfeeders " ( Wildlife Damage Management Conference , 2000 ) .
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