Darned Squirrels @#$%

[pennwalk]

I keep our fleet of plastic (polyethylene) kayaks on their trailer in the back yard over the summer so that any time the weather is nice we can hit the water. They are great fun and indestructible... or so I thought. The other night at dinner my daughter said "Dad I think the squirrels are eating the boats". Jeeeze. She was right. All along the corner where the side meets the bottom the stupid critters had chewed the boats. There was chips of blue and yellow plastic all around. Made me pretty mad I can tell you. I thought those boats would last a long time. Well My first thought was to grab my shotgun and do some unnatural selection. My wife discouraged me cause she thought I would end up in jail. She is probable right. If it isn't against some local ordinance it is probable against some homeland security regulation. So what do you think? Scoped pellet gun, havaheart trap and a trash can full of water, maybe some cups of antifreeze nailed to a couple of trees. How do I get rid of these pests? Oh yea those chewed up places on the bedliner of my truck that I thought I must have nicked with the chain saw even though I can't remember ever using the saw near the truck must be the squirrels too. @#$% squirrels. Have you got any idea why the critters want to chew in plastic? It never happened to me before. @#$% squirrels.

Chris

 

[riptides]

I have a plastic owl hanging in the garage, and one sitting on the rafter.

This seems to keep them out of the garage, which has no doors. All other place on the farm, including the house (at one point) are/were frequented by them. The garage has remained, a squirrel free zone.

And we do have real birds of prey on the properties.

Have-a-heart traps work too.

-Mike Z.

 

[SnowRidge]

I can't wait for my wife to get home, so I can tell her about this story. She absolutely hates squirrels. Before we were married, she had an infestation in her attic and had a heck of a time getting rid of them. She also had a flying squirrel come down her chimney.

I vote no on the antifreeze. Too many other critters that can climb trees.

Trapping them would be my first choice. Maybe you can use a toy kayak for bait.

 

[midcarolina]

If you live in the country no big deal do what you gotta do.........

If you live in the city IE neiborhood your gonna have to bee a little more careful.

Go to the sporting goods store like sportsmans warehouse or Gander mountain and buy a Benjamin air rifle, these are high quality air rifles that are very powerfull ( not a toy) they are very accurate with the stock open sights.

Or you can get a beagle He'll aggrevate the tar out of them and they will likely move on.......

 

[sparkus]

pellet rifle works just fine, has the added benefit of improving hand/eye coordination.

The new pellet rifles are pretty loud though

 

[SELKIRK]

This will do it.

TUBE TRAP - Standard: Wildlife Control Supplies

Selkirk

 

[ragkar]

I had the same problem with the tree rats damaging my truck, five times.
The last cost me a $500 repair.
My other hobby was airguning and that was the solution.
Here's an active airgun forum for you to peruse
Airgunforum
And here's a real good place to shop Straight Shooters Precison Airguns

Now beware of the recommendations of the forum. I don't think you are
willing to spend some $1000+ for an airgun, telescopic sights and accessories.
These guys in the forum recommend the best and that may be more than you need.
Some recommendations - The speed of sound is about 1040fps and any
rifle throwing a pellet faster than that will be loud. It's better to opt
for a heavier pellet, like .22, that goes about 850-900 fps.
One of my rifles, an air arms 410e, makes a noise about the same as a
breaking branch. You should consider what your neighbors may see.
Shooting out a window or doorway may be your best bet. Convenient too.
Only don't give your neighbors a chance to call 911 and report man-with-a-gun.
I like watching the tree rats, but when they start destroying my property
they become pests. I don't go out of my way to get them. But if they come on my property, watch out.

Be discrete if you go this way as there are hunting seasons which will get in your way.
Drop me a line if you want to learn more or get recommendations.

PS I just noticed that you're in Pennsylvania. Pa law does not permit hunting with an airgun.
Another thing, the maximum range with an airgun is 50 yards or less. But they have amazing
accuracy. I've put twenty-five consecutive shots into a hole that I can cover with a dime at 51 yards.

 

[jinman]

Maybe you can use a toy kayak for bait.

That almost made me spew my lunch all over my keyboard.

 

[shaley]

They ate parts of my plastic gas can that sits next to the lawn tractor glad they didn't get the tires. So we are planning a "squirrel Jihad". Last week I started feeding them dried corn out near the bullet backstop to get them use to hanging around. I'm just going to use a 22 with CB short ammo. I think it's about 720 fps and 29 grains. Really quiet from a rifle.
MidwayUSA - CCI Ammunition 22 CB Short 29 Grain Lead Round Nose Box of 100

 

[RobertN]

Hit them with a pellet gun. Then have them for dinner. Squirrel Fricasse or drench them in a flour mix with salt/pepper/garlic powder. Then fry, scrpae the pan to make gravy...