Gardeners are told to put chilli powder in their gardens this June for a good reason. This helps birds eat without other animals taking the food.

Birds have had problems for years because they lost their homes and food. Gardeners see fewer birds, and the RSPB says bird numbers are going down.

Insect numbers have gone down a lot, which affects the food chain and leaves birds with less food, making them hungry.

The chilli powder stops bigger animals from taking the bird food.

Gardeners help birds by giving them food, especially when they have babies.

Leaving food out has a problem: other animals try to take it. The chilli powder helps with this.

You can give birds mealworms, suet, and fruit if you have a birdbath or feeder.

Birds like apples and pears, and you can use household food like pastry and rice, but not too much. Put chilli powder on it, and the birds will eat it alone.

Birds are not affected by chilli powder, but squirrels and foxes don't like it, so they leave the food for the birds.

The RSPB says you can use strong chilli powder on bird food. Birds don't mind, but squirrels don't like the burning feeling and leave the food alone.

Don't use flat bird tables because they can spread disease.

Don't give seeds or peanuts between May 1 and October 31 because they might spread a disease that kills birds.