How to control Squirrels- what really works

by Dave Molinaro

Squirrel Pot Pie

I looked down the long barrel of my pellet rifle.  In the rifle’s crosshairs I drew a bead on the pesky squirrel.  She paused as she hung gracefully from a bird feeder almost empty of seed.  She cast a big brown eye my way.  I tightened my trigger finger.  She turned her head and cast the other big brown eye my way.  I squinted hard to sharpen my aim.  My heart was pounding. 


I awoke with a start . . . fell out of bed . . . banged my head on the night stand and crashed to the floor.  Once again, I was victim to another squirrel nightmare.  How will I ever rid my yard of these beasties?  Will I ever again sleep peacefully? 


“Yes, Dave,” came an eerie, yet, research-based reply to my questions.  “Here’s how.” 


As unbelievable as it may seem, some squirrels figure out that they can just launch themselves at the dome, bounce off, and eat the seeds that are spilled on the ground. Could you do that for food?

First, coming to us from North Carolina State University at RECIPES is this recipe, among many from the Wild Games Recipe List:  


Squirrel Pot Pie

Makes 4 servings


2 dressed squirrels (2– 2½ pounds)

2½ cups water

1½ teaspoon salt

2 tablespoons butter

Dash of black pepper

Rolled dumplings

Parsley


This is an excellent way to cook old squirrels which are too tough for frying.  Wipe thoroughly with a damp cloth and remove all hair.  Remove any shot and scent glands.  Wash well inside and out with warm water.  Cut into serving pieces.  Put squirrel into a kettle; add water and salt; heat to boiling.  Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer until very tender (2-3 hours depending on age of animal).  The meat should be almost ready to fall from the bones. 


Add pepper and butter.  Increase the heat until liquid boils.  Lay the rolled dumplings over the top of squirrel; cover tightly and cook for 12-15 minutes.  Do not lift cover during cooking.  Place squirrel in a hot plate and arrange dumplings around the edge.  Cooking the dumplings in the liquid should thicken the gravy to just the right consistency.  Pour gravy over squirrel and dumplings.  A little fresh chopped parsley may be sprinkled over the top for garnish.  


O, please!  Another bad dream!  But it came from a university????!!!!! 

 

“Yes, Dave,” came an eerie, yet, research-based reply to my questions.  “Here’s how.” 

First, feed them.  

Feeding is the easiest way to prevent squirrels.  Scatter shelled or cob field corn on the ground near the trees or bird feeder, or place it on a shallow feeding platform.  Squirrels are fond of sunflower seeds and nuts.  In backyards where squirrels are causing problems at bird feeders; consider providing an alternative food source.  Either wire or nail an ear of corn to a tree or fence post away from where the squirrels are causing the problem.  See http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9455.  


Factoid: Why so many nests? or The Old Man Gets Booted Out!  Each pair of squirrels needs at least two dens; three are ideal.  The pair will often live in one den until the female gives birth.  At this time, the male is evicted from the den and will use an additional nest or den tree.  The young also require dens; and if none are available, they will either migrate or be eliminated by predators. 


Second, repel them.  The best repellent is one containing Thiram, a taste repellent that can be applied to seeds and bulbs.  It can also be applied to flowers, trees, shrubs, fences, siding and outdoor furniture.  A fungicide, Thiram is available in all states.  Check your local garden center.  It is typically combined with white latex paint and applied to the base of small trees and shrubs.   


Polybutenes are sticky materials that can be applied to buildings, railings, downspouts, and other areas to deter squirrels from climbing.  They work by sticking to the squirrels’ feet, which frustrates the animals and causes them to avoid the area.  Because polybutenes can be messy, a pre-application of masking tape is recommended. 


Squirrel Away™ is a deterrent that can be used to help keep squirrels from eating bird seed.  It is a highly concentrated capsaicin, derived from hot pepper plants.  This product is a bird seed supplement and can be an effective deterrent to squirrel activity at your bird feeder.  Be sure to follow all label directions when using this or any other chemical repellent.  See http://extension.missouri.edu/publications/DisplayPub.aspx?P=G9455. 


Third, obstruct them by blocking them with baffles.  One way to keep squirrels out of your feeder is to top it with a large plastic dome called a baffle.  The idea is simple: The squirrel tries to climb onto the feeder and encounters the baffle, which blocks her access.  When she tries to push her way past the bafflers, they rotate, often dumping the would-be diner onto the ground along with some seed.  (As unbelievable as it may seem, some squirrels figure out that they can just launch themselves at the dome, bounce off, and eat the seeds that are spilled on the ground.) 


You can create a homemade system by suspending the feeder from a horizontal wire equipped with baffles that block squirrels from scampering from the wire to the feeder.  

Here’s how: 

 6.   Lastly, modify the menu; i.e., fill your feeder with foods that squirrels won’t want: 

If you do visit the Humane Society site, do take time to check out the video on squirrel control.  Sweet dreams!   


Dave Molinaro, is a former Extension Master Gardener Volunteer with Mecklenburg County, NC.  During his tenure as an active volunteer, Dave was a frequent—and witty—writer for the in-house newsletter, The Thymes.  . 

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