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Controlling Squirrels and Chipmunks
Squirrels and chipmunks can easily become
nuisances to a homeowner. They will chew
away at expensive ornamental plants, dig
up valuable bulbs, and devour eatables in
the vegetable garden. Chipmunks can be especially
destructive. They will burrow under patios,
driveways and foundation walls, or tunnel
under flower beds and retaining walls. If
squirrels get into your attic and build a
nest for their young, they can be very difficult
to eliminate, as they will chew through roofing, soffits, and fascias.
If you would like to control
the number of
these rodent pests on your property,
consider
the following:
- The easiest way to stop the destruction of
plant material is to spray the plants with
a taste aversion product. These sprays are
especially formulated to taste so bad to
animals that they will not eat the plants.
The disadvantage of these repellents is that
they will probably need to be reapplied after
every rainfall.
- Traps are another way of eliminating these
pests. If you do not mind killing the animals,
you can use a trap that will electrocute
any animal weighing less than 5 pounds that
is lured into the trap by a tasty bit of
food bait. A battery supplies a charge to
a pad on the floor of the cage.
- Humane animal traps can also be used. These
traps also rely on food to lure the rodent
into the trap, but they will not harm it.
The animal can be released at a safe distance
away from your property. Be aware, however,
that squirrels and chipmunks have very strong
homing instincts. You will have to release
them several miles away, unless you want
to risk their immediate return. You may be
more successful in relocating these pests
if you confuse their sense of smell by spraying
them with some perfume before you transport
them to their new territory.
Before you take action, do your research.
In many communities for safety reasons, it
is illegal to either poison or shoot at an
animal with any kind of fire arm. |
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