Squirrel damaged trees - Ask Extension
We have extensive damage to trees in our yard by squirrels eating bark. They've killed some Russian Olives and are now working on the maples and a p...
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Squirrel damaged trees #118048
Asked March 19, 2013, 3:39 PM EDT
We have extensive damage to trees in our yard by squirrels eating bark. They've killed some Russian Olives and are now working on the maples and a plum tree. The ground beneath the trees is covered in different sized branches they've bitten off and left. We've sprayed Ropel, and that helps for a day or so, and then, they're right back. Also we can't get the Ropel to the high branches. Same thing for squirting them with water, a motion detector hoot-owl, ringing loud bells, hanging shiny objects from the branches, etc. Is there such a thing as a squirrel-proof tree? Any helpful advice greatly appreciated.
Denver County Colorado
Expert Response
Squirrels can be a tough animal to manage. As you have found out, deterrents such as Ropel are only effective for a short time and have to be reapplied. Squirrels will get used to motion, sound, or scaring devices pretty soon also. If they are used they need to be replaced with something different or moved around often.
a squirrel proof tree? Probably not. They will get into a tree from the ground, any overhead wires, a fence, building or other any other thing that will allow them to crawl, jump or just get into a tree.
If the only way to get into the tree is from the ground then you can try putting a 2 foot wide metal band around the tree. The band should be 6 feet above the ground so they can't jump over it.
Sometimes the best option is to remove the squirrels. If you set a live trap to catch them and move them to another location, take them several miles away before releasing them. They have been known to return from a mile or more. If there are cats in the area you will need to try to keep them out of the trap. If the cats get caught once or twice they will likely stop entering the trap.
I am attaching the URL to two fact sheets on squirrels. After reading them over, if you have questions get back in touch.
http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/TreeSquirrels.asp
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2303.html
Good Luck,
Marvin Reynolds
a squirrel proof tree? Probably not. They will get into a tree from the ground, any overhead wires, a fence, building or other any other thing that will allow them to crawl, jump or just get into a tree.
If the only way to get into the tree is from the ground then you can try putting a 2 foot wide metal band around the tree. The band should be 6 feet above the ground so they can't jump over it.
Sometimes the best option is to remove the squirrels. If you set a live trap to catch them and move them to another location, take them several miles away before releasing them. They have been known to return from a mile or more. If there are cats in the area you will need to try to keep them out of the trap. If the cats get caught once or twice they will likely stop entering the trap.
I am attaching the URL to two fact sheets on squirrels. After reading them over, if you have questions get back in touch.
http://icwdm.org/handbook/rodents/TreeSquirrels.asp
http://www.ext.colostate.edu/ptlk/2303.html
Good Luck,
Marvin Reynolds
