Here's why:
* Squirrels have different levels of sensitivity: Some squirrels might be highly sensitive to the spiciness of red pepper flakes and avoid the food, while others may not mind it at all.
* They can adapt: Squirrels are intelligent and adaptable. If they get hungry enough, they might eventually learn to tolerate the spiciness or simply dig through the bird food to find the unspiced seeds.
* Other methods are more effective: There are other, more reliable methods to deter squirrels, such as:
* Squirrel-proof feeders: These feeders have features that prevent squirrels from accessing the food, such as cages, weight-activated closures, or baffle systems.
* Motion-activated sprinklers: These sprinklers scare away squirrels when they approach the feeder.
* Mesh cages: Covering your feeder with a mesh cage can prevent squirrels from accessing the food.
While red pepper flakes might offer some limited deterrence, relying on it alone is not a foolproof solution. Combining it with other methods mentioned above would likely be more effective in keeping squirrels away from your bird food.