FOX AND GRAY squirrels are among the most commonly observed Missouri animals. They are found in Ozark forests, small northern wood lots and residential areas in almost any town or city. Throughout their ranges in Missouri, fox and gray squirrels occupy similar woodland habitat and exhibit similar behavior.

Conflicts can occur when humans and squirrels live in close proximity. Squirrel feeding can result in the loss of sweet corn, tomatoes and other vegetables from your garden. High squirrel populations also can affect commercial nut production, especially walnuts and pecans. Squirrels sometimes dig and eat flower bulbs and newly planted seeds.

When squirrels enter homes, they can become destructive because of gnawing habits and collections of nest materials. Exterior siding and wiring sometimes is damaged by their gnawing. In addition, the clatter of squirrel movements within the structure can be bothersome.

Control

Shooting. Shooting is effective where local laws permit the discharge of firearms. Hunting can be a useful method to control squirrel numbers, but adequate hunting pressure is essential.

Exclusion. You can prevent squirrels from climbing isolated trees and utility poles by encircling the poles with a two-foot-wide collar of smooth metal six feet above ground. Attach the collar with encircling wires held together with springs to allow for tree growth. Trees adjacent to buildings should be trimmed to prevent squirrels from jumping onto roofs.

Squirrels can be prevented from traveling on wires by installing two-foot section of lightweight, 2- to 3-inch-diameter plastic pipe. Slit the plastic pipe lengthwise and place it over the wire. The pipe will rotate with the weight of the squirrel, causing it to tumble. WARNING: Due to the danger of electrical shock, this should only be attempted by a qualified electrician or a representative from your utility company.

Squirrels can be excluded from buildings by closing all openings with 1/2 -inch wire mesh or by making other necessary repairs. However, care must be taken to ensure that no squirrels are unknowingly kept inside the building. More damage could result if a squirrel trapped inside gnaws in order to get out. If it isn't possible to remove young squirrels, exclusion efforts should be delayed until the young have matured. Generally, problem squirrels should be removed from buildings before exclusion or repair work is initiated. In some situations, however, it might be possible to capture squirrels inside a building for relocation.

Trapping. Live-trapping could be necessary in some situations. Metal live traps are available from some farm and garden supply stores and numerous catalogs. Live traps should be placed in areas where squirrels are commonly observed--on roofs or porches, near feeding or traveling areas, etc. Baits attractive to squirrels include unsalted walnut meats or other nuts, slices of orange or apple, and peanut butter. Squirrels are also attracted to corn and sunflower seeds. Live-trapped squirrels should be released at least two or three miles away to prevent their return.

Trapping with steel traps can be highly effective. The #120 conibear-type trap is especially effective when used with a small cubby box. A nail driven in the back of the box is handy for holding a small ear of corn or other bait. The #120 conibear trap should be used only if it is off the ground and away from children and small pets.

Repellents /  Supplement this method by lighting the attic. A house cat may further discourage squirrel activity.

Squirrels in your attic?

Unlike raccoons, if a squirrel finds its way into your chimney, it usually has gotten there by accidentally falling in and can't climb their way out. Lowering a thick, heavy rope or knotted sheets into the chimney will give the animal something to grasp onto and enable it to climb out on its own. When it is gone, cap the chimney.

If squirrels move into your attic, use the same solution used for raccoons in the attic except use clamp-on light with a flasher disc above the plastic. A blow-up of a great horned owl can often work as well because owls are squirrels natural enemies. Scattering some moth balls around the perimeter of the attic helps as well.

Again, be careful when dealing with families. A family of squirrels moved into the side attic of my parents home and my father sealed the hole up with pieces of tin, not knowing that there was a family of babies in the attic at the time and the mother was caught left outside. The mother squirrel, gnawed her way through the tin metal to get to her babies, cutting her mouth badly as she did so. Don't worry, the story has a happy ending.....the mother survived and the babies all grew up healthy in a nearby tree.

Bugaboo^®  Pest Control, LLC doityou

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Revised: 07/31/08. Home