Squirrel poison might provide hours of entertainment for wildlife watchers in the wild, but they can cause billions of dollars worth of damage to homes when they get inside. They can chew through a roof, break a window or eat away at siding and gutters. They can also spread diseases, parasites and black fungus from tree to tree. In addition, they rob bird feeders and dig up gardens and flower beds.

In an attic, they can chew through insulation and electrical wires, leaving a fire hazard in the process. Squirrels are also notorious for chewing through eaves, roof shingles or the wood siding of a home, leaving the structure exposed to the elements.

Protecting Your Property: Safely Managing Squirrel Infestations Without Poison

Poisoning squirrels is a dangerous and often ineffective method of eliminating them. Squirrels are very resourceful and can find ways to avoid anticoagulant rodent baits, a common poison used in some areas. If a squirrel does eat the poison, it will likely suffer from severe anemia or hypovolemic circulatory shock within a couple of days and die.

There are many more effective, humane ways of removing squirrels from a home or business. Some of these methods include visual deterrents, like plastic owls, cats, snakes, and hawks. Ultrasonic noisemakers and electric fences can also help keep squirrels out of the yard. Plugging the attic, vents, and gable ends with caulk can prevent squirrels from entering and damaging your home. Other repellents that can be placed around the property include soaked rags or bags of vinegar, Irish Spring and mentholated toilet paper in flower beds, hot pepper powder, and other strong scents that squirrels hate.