Future squirrel problem

eggman · #1 07/27/14, 05:33 PM

Looks like I'll be moving to Florida next fall . The place I am going to has lots of squirrels. I was wondering if anyone has used electric chicken fence to keep them out of a garden. I know that lead poisoning would be best, but this is in a neighborhood. So not an option. Any feed back will be appreciated.

Thanks

bluemoonluck · #2 07/27/14, 05:39 PM

Get a terrier. They'll keep the squirrels away from your garden, AND help you dig the rows, too

1shotwade · #3 07/27/14, 05:44 PM

Don't overlook the "lead poisoning". With the new high quality,extremely powerful air rifles out there it's possible to do the job without your neighbors even knowing. I used to use 22 lr and the wife would always ask what i was shooting at.now with the AG she never hears me and it's powerful enough to do the job at 65 yards.

Wade

mnn2501 · #4 07/27/14, 05:48 PM

Any dog that can run in the area (ie fenced in back yard) will keep squirrels away.

COWS · #5 07/27/14, 05:58 PM

Don't know about the electric fence netting. I tried to keep squirrels away by stringing a couple of strands of low electric fence wire around a pecan tree and was not successful. Part of the problem may have been that they would climb to the roof of a building next to the fence and jump from there to the tree. I need to isolate the tre more. I've tried shooting the squirrels but can't keep up with them. Maybe a quiet air gun woukldn't spook them, but I doubt it. Having a few good cats works, according to a relative with pecan trees.

Squirrels like nuts. I've never seen them bothering things in the garden, nor have I seen them bothering apples. This is in SC so your situation may vary. Deer and racoons Will destroy corn in the garden. Deer will destroy beans and peas also. I have an electric fence for them.

COWS

unregistered41671 · #6 07/27/14, 06:28 PM

The problem with squirrels and electric fence is that don't usually touch "ground" when climbing on hot wires. When off the "ground" and touching hot wires they are part of the fence and they don't even feel it. If you can have a ground wire or ground wires alternating with hot wires that are very close together that the squirrel can touch at the same time, it would help lots. The only problem with that is that hot and ground are very close together and will short out if not properly constructed. I don't know if electric netting is all hot or alternating. Never had any experience with that.

where I want to · #7 07/27/14, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possum Belly

The problem with squirrels and electric fence is that don't usually touch "ground" when climbing on hot wires. When off the "ground" and touching hot wires they are part of the fence and they don't even feel it. If you can have a ground wire or ground wires alternating with hot wires that are very close together that the squirrel can touch at the same time, it would help lots. The only problem with that is that hot and ground are very close together and will short out if not properly constructed. I don't know if electric netting is all hot or alternating. Never had any experience with that.

There are electronet fences with alternating ground and hot wires. I vaguely remember Premierone has one, maybe?

unregistered41671 · #8 07/27/14, 07:44 PM

Wonder how close the hot and ground are. Close enough for a squirrel to touch both at the same time?

Danaus29 · #9 07/27/14, 10:05 PM

I've seen a squirrel jump 10 feet from one tree to another and 5 feet from the ground to a bird feeder. They are fast learners too. One zap and it will learn how to avoid your fence and teach all it's friends the secret.

I've thought seriously about mixing rat poison with peanut butter. Squirrels are just big rats with furry tails.

slingshot · #10 07/28/14, 06:01 AM

I vote pellet gun also....

The fence won't keep them away they will learn to jump on the wire.

Dogs work good when they are outside as do cats, we had a farm cat that was a squirrel serial killer! Lol

Nothing will work better than shooting them on sight, after awhile any that do manage to make it will avoid the area or they get brave and dead. Either way problem solved.

geo in mi · #11 07/28/14, 06:41 AM

I've never had any problems with squirrels eating or destroying anything in my garden. They play there, cross thru, but don't do any damage. Maybe because they have plenty of nuts and other seeds and fruits like mulberries. Now, ground hogs, racoon, chipmunks, rabbits, deer--that's another story.

geo

mnn2501 · #12 07/28/14, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by COWS

Squirrels like nuts. I've never seen them bothering things in the garden, nor have I seen them bothering apples.

They have raided my garden and apple trees in 3 states.

Jim-mi · #13 07/28/14, 08:11 AM

With a live trap baited with a very small tin of peanut butter.
Then a large 5 gallon "swimming" pool.........

I have had heavy damage from squirrels getting into my water house . .so my Mossberg barks when ever the opportunity happens.

Live traps are far quieter..........................

Cindy in NY · #14 07/28/14, 08:45 AM

If you can shoot them, do it!! Dogs and cats are great but probably won't be out all the time. Squirrels are devious and will out-wait them if there's something they want! Yes, squirrels will destroy a garden if given an opportunity. They love the smell of fresh dug soil and will follow you around and dig up anything you put in the ground - seeds, seedlings, and full size plants! We have to cover our raised beds with bird netting in order to get the seeds and seedlings started. Our potted plants have bird netting on top of the soil. They like to take a taste out of your vegetables and then toss them away. They will also climb corn stalks and break them before they form ears. They will dig holes in your yard just because they can. We can't shoot them here so we have re-located them to a forested industrial area. Took 62 one summer. Squirrels are evil. Can you tell I hate squirrels? BTW, don't have nut trees if you don't want squirrels!

LauraD · #15 07/28/14, 09:28 AM

I've had squirrels eat tomatoes, pears, and apples. They've eaten enough pears off our tree this year that my hubby is talking about using lead poisoning - and we're within city limits...

tab · #16 07/28/14, 10:00 AM

I am finding chipmunks rank right up there with squirrels. I would vote for the dog, cats and live traps. And the air gun. And I like squirrels and chipmunks

. I don't like them in my gardens or buildings, though and if you see them they are or will be.

DEKE01 · #17 07/28/14, 10:50 AM

I don't know what you guys are complaining about. A squirrel problem is deciding between fried or stewed.

LauraD · #18 07/28/14, 02:04 PM

DEKE01: only if you actually like the taste of squirrel. I suppose they could come in handy if I switch my dog to raw foods...

1shotwade · #19 07/28/14, 02:13 PM

I've never met anyone that didn't like the taste of squirrel! I have met a lot of people that didn't like it if they new what it was but if you lie to them it's a fine meal!

Wade

lazyBum · #20 07/28/14, 08:10 PM

The worst they've done to me is dig up plants in the garden and in pots on my deck. But, they annoyed the neighbors dogs and are funny to watch, so I tolerated them. Ground hogs and deer were my enemies in town.