The Kitchen Spice That'll Keep Birds From Nesting In Unwanted Areas Around Your Home

People put out bird feeders, houses, and fountains in order to attract birds to their yards, but that doesn't mean you want them to take over the place. If your feathered friends are starting to build nests in unwanted areas — such as your gutters or dryer vents — you can repel them with some cayenne pepper. Much like how your nose will become irritated if you take a giant whiff of the spice, it turns out the same thing happens to birds.

This burning sensation inflames the birds' glands, making them fly in the opposite direction. Since birds are particular where they build their nests, they won't want to set up shop in an area that feels uncomfortable or seemingly dangerous. This is a great hack to try since you most likely already have this spice sitting in your spice rack. Further, using cayenne pepper against birds looking to nest is also an all-natural way to solve your problem, ensuring you don't need to use chemicals or harm your garden's wildlife.

To deter birds with cayenne pepper, first, locate areas where birds are beginning to build nests in your yard. You'll catch them in their beginning stages if you notice them flying back and forth to the area repeatedly, carrying materials like twigs or leaves. To ensure the birds don't get too far into their process, create a cayenne pepper solution and spray the area to deter them.

To do so, grab a spray bottle, water, cayenne pepper, and dish soap. Add 2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper to your spray bottle, fill it with water, and add a drop or two of dish soap. Mix it well, and allow it to soak overnight or for a full day or even two. Waiting will make the spray even more potent. Once you're ready to use it, shake the bottle again to combine the ingredients and spray it in the area.

Reapply this spicy bird repellent once every week and/or right after it rains. You can also use cayenne pepper to deal with pests in your garden, such as spider mites, yellow jackets, and fruit flies. Simply spray it on your plants or in areas they're hovering in. It's an all-purpose pest deterrent.