AboutStephen Vantassel Expertise I can assist the public in responding to all kinds of wildlife related problems in the United States and Canada, including birds, mice, rats, skunks, raccoons, beavers, opossums, voles, moles, chipmunks, woodchucks, pocket gophers, and more. My passion is wildlife damage identification, for if you don't know what animal is causing the problem, you can't begin to resolve it responsibly.
Experience I was a full time animal damage controller for over 5 years and a part-time animal damage controller for over 10. I have been a volunteer for AllExperts.com for over 5 years under the Pest Control Category, when they graciously created a new category that better suited my experience (I don't answer bug questions). I was a licensed animal controller in both Massachusetts, Connecticut and Nebraska. I presently run the Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, http://icwdm.org.
Organizations National Wildlife Control Operators Association, Community Integrated Pest Management group at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Publications I have published two books (both revised), The Wildlife Removal Handbook rev. ed. and the Wildlife Damage Inspection Handbook rev. ed. Additionally, I have written articles which have appeared in Wildlife Control Technology Magazine, Fur-Fish & Game, The Trapper, The Fur Taker, The Probe, and others. I have co-authored wildlife related publications for the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension program and was responsible for revising the handbook designed for the Pest Controllers looking to obtain their category 14 license.
Education/Credentials I was a trapper education instructor for the state of Massachusetts, and have attended a variety of conferences and trainings.
Awards and Honors Certified Wildlife Control Operator
Expert: Stephen Vantassel Date: 2/24/2008 Subject: Squirrel problems
Question My friend is having a problem with squirrels chewing through the fabric cushions on her lawn furniture and removing the stuffing. Is there anything she can do to eliminate this problem?
Answer Squirrels tearing up furniture
Don't waste your time with silly ultrasonic devices, coyote urine and other so called fear repellents. These entities do help people emotionally (as they give the feeling that something is being done) but the evidence of their actual effectiveness has not been demonstrated for this situation. Read why repellents fail. http://www.icwdm.org/Prevention/repellents.asp Tactile repellent could work but it would make your furniture sticky and a gooey mess. You could try a taste repellent as in capsaicin but I would not hold up a lot of hope.
Placing your furniture inside a secured area would be the best.
You could try to provide replacement material in the hope of bribing them not to touch your furniture. Leaving out cotton and cloth material they could use for their nests. They may choose it as it would be easier to use then tearing away at the furniture.
I trust you haven’t been feeding squirrels and if you have been feeding birds, you have instituted food waste controls as recommended on our http://www.icwdm.org/Prevention/birdfeeders.asp well fed squirrels make for healthy squirrels and healthy squirrels have more young which will just increase your problem in the future.
I mention trapping last not because it is the worst solution (it is actually among the most effective) but because the public seems to hate trapping with a passion that individuals will only do it when they have realized there are no other solutions. (Most people don’t believe me until they try everything else and are desperate).
I would love some high quality photos of the damage (3mg or higher). If you can take them safely, send them to svantassel2@unl.edu We also scan prints and return them along with digital versions as our thanks.
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.
