Re: May I dust cardinal feed with pepper to discourage the squirrels'?

Hello John,

The jury is still out on the long-term effects of hot pepper on birds, but 
overall, I would recommend a different approach.  Safflower may be just 
what you need to enjoy feeding birds in your yard, without attracting 
squirrels.  I use safflower in my own feeder, because I was getting 
frustrated by squirrels taking over my patio feeder as well.  Safflower 
can be a bit more expensive than black sunflower and other bird seed, but 
I think it's worth the investment to encourage the critters I want to 
feed, and to discourage those I'd rather not.

Wild Birds Unlimited includes some information on spraying or dusting 
pepper on bird food here: http://www.wbu.com/edu/sqr.htm#pepper

and includes some information on safflower here: http://www.wbu.com/edu/safflower.htm

Good luck!

Ruth