Squirrels and Chipmunks
Squirrels
Tree squirrel species in Rhode Island include red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), flying squirrels (Glaucomys volans), and Eastern gray squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis), which are the most common of the three. Various nuts, berries, buds and seeds are the main foods of these squirrels. Flying squirrels are active at night, and their presence may be unsuspected although they may be fairly numerous. These secretive gliders occupy nests in hollow trees. Squirrels do not pose a great risk to humans on the health front. Tree squirrels sometimes become a nuisance to homeowners by entering buildings to find shelter and to store food. In attics, partitions, or spaces between floors, they often become noisy and at times destructive, especially in summer homes or camps deserted for the winter season. Occasionally, these squirrels may damage flower bulbs and vegetables in the garden or feed on ripening fruit. Red squirrels may cut twigs of spruces and other conifers to obtain seedbearing cones. They also strip bark from cedars for nesting material.
In Buildings: Squirrels in buildings can be trapped with ordinary snap-back rat traps baited with walnut meats of some similar food and set where the squirrels can easily reach them. The trap should be wired or nailed securely so a trapped squirrel cannot drag it away. Squirrels can be trapped unharmed for release elsewhere by using any live trap or box trap of suitable size. Bait the trap with nutmeats or sunflower seeds. A few pieces of bait placed just outside the trap entrance will help lead the animal into the trap. After the squirrels have been removed, the holes or crevices through which they gained entrance to the building should be sealed lightly with wood, sheet metal or heavy wire screen (1/2 inch mesh or galvanized hardware cloth).
In attics and in summer homes or camps deserted for the winter, a liberal sprinkling of naphthalene flakes (from 5-10 lb) may help to repel squirrels as well as other possible pests from a small room.
In Gardens: Tree squirrels damaging gardens or fruit trees can be caught in snap-back rat traps. The traps should be fastened to fences or to the trunks or limbs of the trees frequented by the squirrels, then wired or nailed in position and baited with nutmeats. In extreme cases, live trapping may be a successful method of control. The Rhode Island DEM Division of Fish and Wildlife regulates the trapping of wild animals, types of traps to be used, and disposal of the animal after capture. Most squirrels can be effectively trapped using box or cage traps. Relocation, if done at all, must follow strict guidelines. Trapped squirrels should be taken at least 5 miles from the trap site and released in an area where they will not cause a problem for someone else. Remove live-trapped animals as soon as possible after their capture to reduce the possibility of them injuring themselves in the trap.
Squirrels can be prevented from climbing isolated trees by fastening wide metal bands on the trunks. Attach the band by loosely overlapping the ends, so that it can be expanded to allow for tree growth. These should be about 2 feet wide and fastened at a height of 6-8 feet, but are useless if the limbs can be reached from the ground or from nearby trees or structures. Tree limbs within 6 feet of the ground should be removed. Squirrels sometimes raid bird feeders, where they not only deter desirable birds from feeding, but also consume considerable amounts of bird feed. To exclude squirrels, mount the feeder atop a pole or pipe and fit a metal disc or baffle around the support structure at a height greater than that which a squirrel can jump, preventing the squirrels from climbing the pole and raiding the feeder. Since squirrels can jump at least 6 feet the feeder must have a telescoping pole or must be filled from a ladder. Another approach is to suspend a feeder from a cable or rope runningover pulleys between two buildings or between a building and a pole. The feeder must bee at least 6 feet above ground. Because a persistent squirrel can move along the suspended line a baffle fitted over the top of the feeder will help.
The key consideration in keeping squirrels out of bird feeders is careful placement of the feeders. Squirrels can leap horizontally a considerable distance, so feeders should be placed with 10-12 feet clearance from tree limbs on the sides and overhead. Some feeders are designed to adhere to vertical surface of a picture windowpane; these are quite often squirrelproof, if high enough above the ground.
For people who enjoy squirrels as well as birds, it may be desirable to place a separate, readily accessible feeder specifically for the squirrels. If relatively inexpensive food such as dried corn grain is placed in this squirrel feeder, it may divert them from protected bird feeders, the more expensive bird feeds (e.g. sunflower seeds) being left for their intended recipients.
Chipmunks
Chipmunks (Tamias striatus) are interesting and ordinarily harmless to lawns or gardens, feeding on nuts, seeds and berries. Occasionally their numbers may need to be reduced if they severely damage newly planted seedbeds, bulbs, berries, or other garden plants. Chipmunks are easily trapped in snap-back rat traps set near their burrows, often at the base of a tree or stump or in a stone wall. Rolled oats, corn, seeds, or peanut butter are effectivebaits.
Chipmunks occasionally enter homes where they generally are more bothersome than destructive. This can be prevented by closing holes in foundation walls and screening windows, vents, and other ground-level openings.
The use of dried blood or fox or coyote urine has been effective in repelling these animal pests. Follow directions carefully with the predator urine. Some formulations may need to be reapplied after a rain.
Adapted from James W. Caslick and Daniel J. Decker, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 2001
Useful Website
RI Department of Environmental Management
http:// www.dem.ri.gov
