According to multiple sources, birds do not have the neural receptors that
would cause them to react to peppers.  Mammals (including both people and
raccoons) do, so they perceive the chemicals in peppers as hot.  So the
product that you describe should not harm or drive away the birds.

Good luck!

On Sat, Oct 16, 2010 at 12:50 PM, Laura Dornan <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> We have a problem with ground hogs & raccoons digging up the lawn under our
> bird feeders to get to dropped sunflower seed. they really tear up the
> turf.  Would it be OK to use a deterrent to mammals that I use in my flower
> beds to keep them from digging up bulbs?  This product contains .480% Oil of
> Black Pepper, .185% Piperine & .032% Capsaicin.  Would this be harmful to
> birds if they injest it or would it be likely to get on their skin or eyes &
> cause a problem?
>
> I hope someone can address this problem.  I really do not want to stop
> feeding the birds but the damage to the ground over the course of the winter
> is quite a bit.  The raccoons especially do a lot of damage because we
> aren't around when they are to chase them away.
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Laura Dornan
>
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--
Bill Heck

______________________________________________________________________

Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society.
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