Expert: Stephen Vantassel - 5/9/2004

Question
My daughter is an animal lover,but has had a terrible time with squirrels eating much vegetation in yer yard. They especially got after all her tulip buds and the foilage on her magnolia tree. Any idea for keeping them away fom nibbling on her plants? Thanks.

Answer
Gray Squirrels and Gardens

There could be a variety of reasons why this problem is happening this year as opposed to others including, a population spike, a reduction in habitat, or both or a new discovery that they are taking advantage or something else.
You could reduce the population through trapping  http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/solutions.htm . Or you could build a hardware cloth cylinder that would go into the ground and protect the bulbs from being dug up. Think of it like taking a glass and shoving the open end into the ground deep enough to pass around the bulb. I would suspect that you would have to go down 4-5 inches around the plant. For climbing plants you could wrap them in 1/2 inch gauge hardware cloth. Repellent sprays may work but you would have to be sure that you never ate the plants. Some say you can wash the repellent off (these would be the homemade non-toxic variety) before eating, but I would not trust that advice. Also I don't know if the repellents (available at local lawn care stores, the product is called Ropel) would harm the plants. Never use repellents on plants you intend to eat.  Making sure you don't have bird feeders around will also help as this food source simply allows for the creation of even more squirrels.

I would not recommend any poisons and certainly would not recommend those silly sonic devices visit http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/ultrasound.htm to see why. Lastly, there are no plants that will repel a squirrel. Whether or not they will eat it would depend on how they think it tastes. I am not aware of any list of plants that are known not to be eaten but it is something I will keep in mind. Also don't give them food elsewhere in the hopes that they leave your plants alone. You will only create a large problem next season. Sorry but there is no magic in this business.

Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back.
Squirrels in Tree

You have a couple of options.
First, trap the squirrels and dispose of them in accordance to state law. To learn how visit http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/graysquirrelbooklet.htm and pick up a copy.

Second, if the tree stands alone away from structures or trees close enough for the squirrels to jump to. You could try to use porcupine wire or aluminum flashing around the truck to prevent the squirrels from being able to climb the trunk. Visit http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/feedbirdsnotsquirrels.htm  there is a picture there of how to put the flashing on. Visit http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/porcupinewire.htm as well.
Sonic devices don't work because they can't hear in the ultrasonic range. Of all the studies done, none have proven they work. Mothballs won't work either unless you have them in high enough concentrations that you can't live in the house either. By the way they may also cause cancer and are extremely flammable. We don't recommend them.  Music may work but it can also force them to live in another, quieter part of the attic. Read my article on harassment at the link above. For resources on to why ultrasonics don't work visit http://www.wildlifedamagecontrol.com/ultrasound.htm

Don't bother with so called smell repellents either.

Disclaimer: As with any activity, remember that animal damage control comes with its own risks and problems which can include but are not limited to legalities, health threats, and personal liabilities. Be sure to follow all state laws governing wildlife and make sure you have a thorough understanding on how to resolve the animal damage complaint. My advice is only as good as your understanding of me and my understanding of your situation. If you have any questions be sure to write back