Squirrel Deterrents for Trees
Although they look cute, squirrels can be very damaging to trees.
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Several types of squirrels are active in urban areas, scrambling through tree canopies and performing aerial acrobatics. Eastern fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), eastern gray squirrels (S. carolinensis), western gray squirrels (S. griseus) and Douglas squirrels (Tamiasciurus douglasii) are often observed in backyards. When these squirrels become destructive by harming tree bark or removing tender branches and twigs, it's time for homeowners to take action. Before breaking out traps or poison, many try squirrel deterrents to discourage these bad habits.
Tree Collars
Protect trees from squirrel damage by wrapping them with sheet metal collars, at least 2 feet wide, about 6 feet up the trunk. Be sure to wrap other trees nearby that squirrels could use to circumvent the collar. Trim back branches that are less than 6 feet from the ground so squirrels can't jump into the tree's canopy. For trouble at the tree's base, wrap it in hardware cloth -- squirrels can't chew through the metal to reach the bark.
Commercial repellants formulated with saccharide are available as taste deterrents for squirrels, but their success has been extremely mixed. Repellants formulated with capsaicin, however, continue to discourage squirrel feeding when applied to places they've been chewing. Homemade hot sauce formulations vary, but generally, a bottle of hot sauced mixed to a gallon of water is a good starting point. Mix the formula stronger if your squirrels are unimpressed with early efforts.
Polybutenes
Polybutenes are sometimes applied to tree trunks in an effort to deter squirrels. As they climb, the tacky material sticks to the feet of the animal, resulting in frustration and retreat. Polybutenes are not nearly as effective as metal collars, and they also require the tree be wrapped with plastic or masking tape where the sticky material will be applied so that it won't damage the tree you're trying to save from the squirrels.
Alternative Food Sources
Often, squirrels feed on tree bark and branches because better food sources can't be found. Scatter seed corn a few feed from the affected tree and install corn cob feeders for squirrels. Use feed in conjunction with other deterrent methods listed, however, to make them as effective as possible. Avoid feeding squirrels nuts or bird seed mixes, since much of the shelled sunflower seed and other nuts that require cracking will end up buried rather than consumed.
If you have a pet dog and a fenced yard where your troubled trees are located, letting Fido out to run and play for extended periods may be enough to discourage squirrels. They are extremely agile but terrified of predators. Most dogs have an in-born prey drive that engages when small mammals like squirrels appear. Dogs that regularly chase squirrels will discourage them from entering your yard, since the risk is not worth the reward.
University of California Integrated Pest Management Program: Tree Squirrels
University of Wisconsin Extension: Tree Squirrels in Wisconsin: Benefits and Problems
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension: Control of Tree Squirrel Damage
The Urban Rancher: Controlling Tree Squirrels in Urban Areas
Pennsylvania State University Cooperative Extension: Tree Squirrels
Kansas State University Extension: Tree Squirrels
Kristi Waterworth started her writing career in 1995 as a journalist for a local newspaper. From there, her meandering career path led to a 9 1/2 year stint in the real estate industry. Since 2010, she's written on a wide range of personal finance topics. Waterworth received a Bachelor of Arts in American history from Columbia College.
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Waterworth, Kristi. "Squirrel Deterrents for Trees." Home Guides | SF Gate, http://homeguides.sfgate.com/squirrel-deterrents-trees-34933.html. Accessed 16 July 2019.
Waterworth, Kristi. (n.d.). Squirrel Deterrents for Trees. Home Guides | SF Gate. Retrieved from http://homeguides.sfgate.com/squirrel-deterrents-trees-34933.html
Waterworth, Kristi. "Squirrel Deterrents for Trees" accessed July 16, 2019. http://homeguides.sfgate.com/squirrel-deterrents-trees-34933.html
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