"The heat in peppers comes from capsaicin, a chemical that triggers pain receptors in humans and other creatures. Birds don't have these capsaicin-triggered pain receptors. They can taste the peppers, but don't suffer from the heat. The birds will eat the seeds without hesitation, although I suppose there might be an odd bird or two that doesn't like it."
"Even though the rodents won't be interested in the treated seed, you still need to pay attention and take steps to discourage them from visiting your property and moving in. If you don't have a lot of ground-feeding birds that are cleaning up the spilled seeds, sweep or rake them up to keep the area as clear as possible."
"Take a good look at your property and get rid of or minimize areas where rats might want to inhabit. Ground cover, especially ivy, is a popular spot for them. Check your house and out buildings for openings into or under them, sealing up possible entrances. Don't leave pet food out, especially at night, and make sure garbage is secured in your cans."
Peppered bird seed treated with capsaicin, such as Wild Delight's Sizzle N' Heat product, effectively repels rodents while remaining completely safe for birds. Birds lack the pain receptors that capsaicin triggers in mammals, allowing them to consume the seeds without discomfort. While this treated seed helps discourage rodents, additional preventive measures are essential. Property owners should clean up spilled seeds, install trays beneath feeders, remove ground cover like ivy where rodents hide, seal building openings, avoid leaving pet food outside, and secure garbage. These comprehensive exclusion strategies work together to minimize rodent attraction and habitation.
Read at The Mercury News
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