Does anyone know how to keep squirrels from damaging trees? They have been brutal on several larger oaks by gnawing off the bark underneath branches and on the trunks. Our Sweet Bay Magnolia has really gotten torn up. We are trying the "repellants" like hot pepper wax, garlic sprays, etc. It seems like if you put up any sort of fencing, it acts just like a ladder to give them easier access. I have read that they do this to mark their territory and that porcupines can display similar damage, but we don't have porcupines here. Thanks.
You can't cage the tree, so the alternative is repelling the squirrels from the property with shooting, dogs or trapping. Trapping and drowning eliminates individuals pretty directly, but I don't think will necessarily deter replacements from coming in. Shooting or a vigilant dog are probably more generally effective at conveying a message to the whole group. Rabbits and deer are now problems in a country garden I work in, because the owner's dog died a few years ago and has not been replaced. While it was around there was no problem, it even ate some of the rabbits.
thank you. our only problem is we are a university in the middle of a city. we have thought about doing a covert operation in the early morning hours, but i'm sure someone would still notice. maybe i should let my jack russell terrier loose on the school grounds for a day, he could definitely catch a squirrel or two. thanks for the reply.
