HOW TO GET RID OF TREE SQUIRRELS

Tree squirrels are rodents with large bushy tails, and are native to Europe, Asia and the Americas.

Damage and Damage Identification

Squirrels may occasionally damage forest trees by chewing bark from branches and trunks. Pine squirrels damage Ponderosa pine, jack pine, and paper birch. In the Southeast, fox squirrels damage loblolly and other pines.

In residential areas, squirrels sometimes travel powerlines and short out transformers. They gnaw on wires, enter buildings, and build nests in attics. They frequently chew holes through pipelines used in maple syrup production.

Squirrels occasionally damage lawns by burying or searching for and digging up nuts. They will chew bark and clip twigs on ornamental trees or shrubbery planted in yards. Often squirrels take food at feeders intended for birds. Sometimes they chew to enlarge openings of bird houses and then enter to eat nestling songbirds. Flying squirrels are small enough to enter most bird houses and are especially likely to eat nesting birds.

In gardens, squirrels may eat planted seeds, mature fruits, or grains such as corn.

Damage Prevention and Control Methods

Exclusion
Install sheet metal bands on isolated trees to prevent damage to developing nuts. Close external openings to buildings to stop damage to building interiors. Place an 18-inch (46-cm) section of 4-inch (10-cm) diameter plastic pipe or a one-way door over openings to allow squirrels to leave and prevent them from returning. Plastic tubes on wires may prevent access to buildings.

Cultural Methods and Habitat Modification
Remove selected trees or their branches to prevent access to structures.

Repellents
Naphthalene (moth balls), Ro-pel, capsaicin, and polybutenes are registered for controlling tree squirrels.

Toxicants
None are registered.

Fumigants
None are registered.

Trapping
Leghold traps. Box and cage traps. Rat snap traps. Box choker traps.

Shooting
Effective where firearms are permitted. Use a shotgun with No. 6 shot or a .22- caliber rifle.

 

For help getting rid of tree squirrels, contact your local Critter Control office. To find a Critter Control office near you, check out our Office Finder.