Neighbor Trapping Squirrels Outside & Killing Them

[FlyerMommy]

A sad hello to everyone,

Before you read this story, the only reason have not turned him
in is because, I have 4 Flyers I rescued from my attic. They are treated
like royalty, but not legal to keep in my state. My neighbor knows
I have them, and I don't want to have my little fuzzy buddies taken
away.

I live in a small subdivision and my next door neighbor is setting a trap outside in his yard catching poor squirrels looking for food, then shooting them. He said a couple of months ago 2 squirrels had gotten in his attic, and he had a hard time getting them out. So now he has waged war on all the squirrels in the neighborhood. I had seen him after he had shoot one a couple of months ago.I told him it was illegal, and if it was a mother all her babies would die to in hopes that he wouldn't do it again. But I found out just a little while ago he was still killing them. My Daughter was taking the dogs out and heard a shot, then saw him taking it to bury.
I watched him to see where he reset the trap just incase he caught another before dark, so I could set it free. What can I do to keep the squirrels away from the cage trap. I could sometimes sneak over and trip it, but he would know it's me. Is there anything I can pour on the cage that would keep them away from it. They are grey squirrels. Do they only come out during the day?
Any information or help please. I'm trying to keep a close eye on the trap and help any that may get caught..


Thank You for any Help
Flyermommy

[virgo062]

I don't know the laws where you are but if he were my neighbor I would report him for discharging a firearm in the City/County limits. You don't have to do it just talk to a neighbor...You said you live in a subdivision?

We have a neighbor several acres away that was target shooting and we could actually hear the bullet ricocheting off the trees and that was from 3-4 acres...

[astra]

what a.......:soapbox !!!!
:thinking ... I don't know, but I was thinking - can't you report him anonymously?... If you report him anonymously, he won't know that it was you?... Or, if you could hide your flyers for some time till it all comes down (after you report him, I mean)?

Another thing I heard that might work - fox urine that you can buy at hunting supplies stores (or, maybe, some other stores). You can pour the urine around the trap, but it will smell and he might smell it, too.

I am still thinking about finding a way to report him because that will stop it once and for all (unless he will enjoy being reported)....:dono :thinking

[Lulu-Bean's Mommy]

Maybe talk with a neighbor and see if they'll call about the squirrel trapping. Is it legal to trap and kill squirrels in SC? If it isn't you could get him on that. But even so, virgo062 is right, firing a gun in a subdivision is still something you can get him on. If a neighbor isn't willing to help, they must be very brave to live next door to someone firing guns by them. And if you really need to, you can make an anonomous call to the police and request your name not be taken. I've done that before.
If you really feel you need to, maybe you can keep your flyers by someone that you trust for a few days? Let them lay low for a bit...

[CritterMom]

Yup, fox urine. Order from LL Bean, or a sporting goods place near you may have some. That trap could also mysteriously get broken, too. You don't need but a tiny amount - you don't have to pour it all over. It is extremely effective.

[Fireweed]

That sucks. Mean neighbour. Mean.

Personally, I hate fox urine. It's usually procured from foxes who are kept in inhumane conditions or "peed out" in a horrible manner by hunters before they kill the fox. Why perpetuate the torture of one animal to save another? :dono

I'd report him anonymously. He shouldn't be firing a gun in the first place. And find out if trapping and killing squirrels is illegal--it very well could be and a visit from a PO might be just the thing he needs to stop trapping our little friends. If it's not illegal, and he doesn't stop trapping, you might want to consider a few things: a) not feeding birds and squirrels for awhile (if you do) so they don't get near his trap b) peeing on his traps yourself! Human pee can be effective at keeping critters at bay c) using cayenne, garlic, onion mixtures etc. instead of pee to repel little critters from the trap or the area. It usually doesn't take much to keep a squirrel from a trap. I've used those mixtures and HP (husband pee :D ) to keep squirrels from certain areas and they seem to work just fine. :tilt

Oh, I also like the "mysteriously" broken trap idea.... :icon_devil

[lilidukes]

you could try sprinkling cinnamon around or breaking up cinnamon sticks

I would like to :gun2 him down after catching him in a trap

[astra]

...about cayenne... I don't know, this is something I heard from someone who considered ways to protect their flower bulbs from squirrels. They told me that they read/heard/were told that pepper adversely affects squirrels' eyes/vision, that they might gradually go blind or lose their vision partially. That's why they decided not to use it to protect their bulbs (good ppl).
Again, don't know how true this is, but just thought i'd share (just in case)

[lizharrell1]

I've got a taser.....wanna borrow it?:D

[Fireweed]

Good thinking, Astra. :thumbsup I can understand that if you were to use massive amounts and the squirrel couldn't help but put his face in the cayenne or get trapped surrounded by it, he might be adversely affected. But I'm not convinced that a small amount used to deter squirrels from a trap would hurt them all that much...after all, they wouldn't eat it (I would hope) or get too close because they supposedly don't like the smell (just like with pee). :dono

But I'm going to do more research on this! From what I've witnessed the squirrels just don't get close enough to have the cayenne affect them all that much, but this is definitely worth looking into! Thanks!

Oh, yeah....best solution yet: Taser the cranky man... :D Again and again if you have to until he learns that Squirrels Are Beautiful.

[m&bs mom]

The fox urine will work. I work at a feed store and we have it in a powder/granular form that you could sprinkle around the cage and he wouldn't see or smell it. Just another suggestion. Good luck!

[Pointy Tale]

FlyerMommy: Hi and welcome! I am so sorry you are going through this, what a pickle to be in. :grouphug

The fox urine, based on my experience will Not keep squirrels away, we have Living Foxes... the actual foxes and their urine does Not deter squirrels, unfortunately.:(

One more thought: maybe if you can get a picture of your neighbor doing this, you can report him to the police.

The best suggestion I can come up with is Cayenne Pepper used around, on or in the trap area and here's a recipe:
mix this:
1 gallon of water
6 capfuls of Murphy's Oil Soap
2 Tbsp. of cayenne pepper
Spray onto plants or whatever. This does not harm the plants and WILL keep the squirrels away.

If you're feeding the squirrels/birds then don't do it anymore (sometimes we have to give up our furry friends to save them), and be outside more often to deter.

Also check your states website to find out if flyers are legal, if you need help finding out, maybe I can help you.

I don't personally know if that actually works, but it would be worth a try.

TSB rehabbers that won't hurt the squirrels will it?

Best of luck,

[NutmegsMommy]

Private Message me his address and I'll say I was visiting a relative in the area and saw him killing the squirrels. I'll gladly turn that turd in - no problem. I'll await your PM.

[astra]

Private Message me his address and I'll say I was visiting a relative in the area and saw him killing the squirrels. I'll gladly turn that turd in - no problem. I'll await your PM.
:D what a great idea, NM!!!:thumbsup

[Pointy Tale]

Hi, I just wanted to pass along something else I found and hope it's helpful to you:


I had the EXACT same problem with my next door neighbor a few years ago, he was very obsessed about his lawn & garden and left a Havahart trap out YEAR ROUND, even in the sleet and snow. It wasn't just squirrels he hated, it was rabbits, groundhogs, anything cute & furry. It drove me nuts because he told my husband he didn't kill the animals, but moving them can separate a mother from babies, or put them into fatal shock from the stress of being trapped.

My solution, which worked perfectly, was I pretended I didn't notice or mind the traps, and home brewed up a big batch of "squirrel repellant." I went by at night and threw it around the area of the trap. This worked perfectly, no squirrel EVER went in except once after a rainstorm washed away the stuff, and I released the squirrel that was in there.

Here is the recipe:

Fill a big soup pot with 1 gallon of water (I got a plastic gallon jug at the grocery store, you can pour the repellant in after it's finished). Add about 4 tbsp lemon peel (fresh or dried), 4 tablespoons of crushed black pepper, about 20 peppercorns, 8 tbsp lemon juice, 4 tbsp red chili pepper flakes (like you put on pizza), 2 tbsp of ground chili powder, and about 10 dried habanero/poblano/serrano or other dried chili peppers.

Boil it for about an hour on the stove (good idea to put the fan on as it smells nasty) and then let it cool to room temperature. Pour it back into the gallon jug without straining out any of the solids.

When you are ready to use it, pour about 1/2 cup through a cloth (an old sock or heavy paper towel works well) to strain out the solids (so your neighbor won't notice anything) into a smaller cup, and toss as close to the trap as you can. The stuff just gets better (nastier smelling) with age.

Squirrels and other animals will not go NEAR it!! And it is totally non-toxic, will not hurt your neighbor's lawn or flowers. Don't let the liquid touch your skin, because if you rub your eyes, any hot pepper solution can irritate them. I recommend about a half cup a day around the trap and ASAP after rain. Don't let him see you doing it!If you don't have dried hot peppers (habaneros, etc) available where you live, PM me and I'd be glad to mail you some.

[lizharrell1]

Can she go ahead and rub some of the repellent on the wires of the cage, so that when the guy touches it and then touches his face or eyes he gets a little surprise?:rotfl

[virgo062]

Wirecutters?

[NutmegsMommy]

:D what a great idea, NM!!!:thumbsup
I'm just as fiesty as Nutmeg and I have no problem standing up to cowards like this man. :soapbox and giving him the what-for verbally. Unfortunately I can't wave my tail in the process like Nutmeg...but I could wiggle it - hee hee.

[Fireweed]

Nutmeg! You've got the smartest mom in the Kingdom of Smart! :D Lucky duckling!

(Good thinking, NM!) :alright.gif

[FlyerMommy]

Hi

This is Flyermommys daughter, she went to bed early to get up before daylight to check the trap. But not before we both pee'd in a cup spread it around the cage. My mom thanks you for all the comments that have come in so far and we will be respoding to everyone in the morning. There seemed to be alot of great ideas and if anyone knows of anymore keep them coming please.
Thanks Again,
Flyermommy and Her Daughter

[BHO]

excuse my French, bastard. How about, having someone look after your flyers for a while (several mths maybe, and report this evil swine.

If he tells the authority that you keep squirrels wont he look like a fool then.

[virgo062]

Now I don't know much about flyers.....But can't those be purchased from a Breeder? If so then they would be legit. AND do you really think the Cops would know the difference.B Assertive, B Direct, B a Beotch and turn him in:thumbsup Also halloween is just around the corner:D A good toilet paper tantrum in his yard would certainly make me sleep good fro at least ONE NIGHT

[astra]

Now I don't know much about flyers.....But can't those be purchased from a Breeder? If so then they would be legit. AND do you really think the Cops would know the difference.B Assertive, B Direct, B a Beotch and turn him in:thumbsup Also halloween is just around the corner:D A good toilet paper tantrum in his yard would certainly make me sleep good fro at least ONE NIGHT
:D and some good mignight egging, too...

[Chemist]

You can also report him and not worry about your flyers. Just remember that you NEVER have to let any authority into your home unless they have a warrant. I highly doubt that anyone will go to the trouble over your squirrels.

[SquirrelNut]

i would report this idiot in a second to the authorities! what happens if he shoots a child, cat, dog, etc. by accident? he is just plain evil!

he will get his KARMA!

REPORT him ASAP!

what an A$$!

[Countess O]

They can't come into your home without a warrant and as long as you don't admit you have them it's his word against yours. He'll look bad, imo. I would just call, set them free, sprinkle whatever or trip his traps. What can he do? Call the authorities? lol Seems he would be shooting himself in the foot.

Of course I'm a little more brazen than most. I used to beat boys up for killing frogs when I was little. It seems to have gotten worse with age.

Also, You could make it seem like you are helping him with solutions to his "vermin" problem. You're doing him a favor. :poke

[Kelly Brady]

Hi, I just wanted to pass along something else I found and hope it's helpful to you:

I got this recipe for my garden way back. This works very well. I cook it up in a big propane pot out side Then I cool and store in gallon jug container. When I use this I pour it through a strainer into a squirt bottle then spray away. It WORKS:D

[Pierre]

One other thing as food for thought: All the great suggestions above focus on his current [despicable] behavior --> getting rid of all the squirrels. None yet address the reason he is trying to get rid of the squirrels in the first place.

If he is remotely receptive, perhaps you could help him with remedies to squirrel proof his house so that he does not see them as such a destructive threat. Educate him, help him, "sympathize" with the attic destruction, whatever it takes, because it is very likely he will find ways around all the attempts to sabotage his trap.

???

Food for thought. [Might not work.]

[Kelly Brady]

Pierre is so correct.
I had a run in with my nieghbor and putting poison blocks out on top of a privacy fence to kill fruit rats. I was so upset that I was planning on removing the poison everytime he put it back out. I am happy to say this couple was very nice about removing the poison because it could kill many types of wild life including the poor rats. They did think it was adorable that I re-hab baby squirrels and long story short, apologized and removed the poison. He did secure his soffit and facsia instead and has had no more problems.
I got very lucky here though and was ready for a big fight if need be.

[astra]

One other thing as food for thought: All the great suggestions above focus on his current [despicable] behavior --> getting rid of all the squirrels. None yet address the reason he is trying to get rid of the squirrels in the first place.

If he is remotely receptive, perhaps you could help him with remedies to squirrel proof his house so that he does not see them as such a destructive threat. Educate him, help him, "sympathize" with the attic destruction, whatever it takes, because it is very likely he will find ways around all the attempts to sabotage his trap.

???

Food for thought. [Might not work.]
A very good point...:thumbsup but, personally, I would be happily surprised if someone who can shoot a tiny creature at a gun point can be receptive to any suggestions... :thinking Reporting seems as the best option; once he pays the fine, he, himself, might start thinking of squirrel-proofing his house... instead of paying another fine...
... but, as I said, I will be happy to be wrong in this case...:)

[Kristal]

The most permanent and best solution would be reasoning with him, if at all possible. You could put some pressure on about the noise, say that neighbours are complaining about it, even concerned for their kids. Maybe mention that your daughter finds it upsetting and that not all the squirrels are nesting in his attic, so it is not fair... That a lot of neighbours like the squirrels, and that he is not making friends this way. And then you could suggest a solution that would be less of a hassle for him. It could including researching squirrel proofing of homes and offer to help him do it. Perhaps tell him about squirrel repellent, also, if it seems to be going well enough that you won't need to use it on his traps. You could tell him that eastern greys normally have 4 - 8 kits a year and up to 16 in very good years, and that if he creates a squirrel vacuum in the local ecosystem the only thing that will happen is that more kits will survive and grow up because their moms are getting a lot of food. It is a losing proposition for him on all sides, and unless he is a perfect sadist, an absolute moron or otherwise cognitively impaired such as usually drunk or stoned, he should be able to see that if if is explained to him intelligently.

If he is any of those three things or just a simple a$$hole, then probably the best thing is to report it because there will be something else coming from him down the road, and it is good that the authorities have a file on him for previous infractions. The only way to deal with a true bully is to stand up to him with whatever resources are at your disposal.

I'm sorry about your situation, and I have a similar neighbour :(. I know how extremely stressful it can be to live next to such a person. That's how I got my orphans in the first place. My neighbour doesn't make a habit of killing squirrels, but he is a violent drunk, and the squirrels crossed his drunken path one sad day. Horrible neighbours are the absolute worst. I was so scared to stand up to mine... never know what he would do. He can be pretty crazy when he is really drunk. But, since I did, he has left me alone almost totally. That is really the only way to deal with a bully, unfortunately.

Also, I very much doubt that the authorities would be interested in your pets. They are well cared for and are not hurting anyone. They have better things to do, I would think.

[NutmegsMommy]

Be like Shultz on Hogan's Heroes when it comes to your own squirrels - you know nothing!!!

:soapbox Everyone is right, the authorities can't come into your home w/o probable cause and some dipsh%&'s word over yours is not enough cause. Don't be afraid of him or what could happen if you report him. Do it in secret if you want...and if not, then let one of us on the TSB do it. But it needs to be done.

Where's Jackie? She'd kick this guy's tail in two seconds!!! Oh Jackie!!!!! We need you!!!!!!!:osnap

Idiots and guns are a bad mix!!! Unfortunately they never shoot themselves in their own rear...which they so deserve!!!!

Shove the fear away and step up for the defenseless squirrels before more have to die. You can do it...or we here on the board can. Either way, it must be done!

Ok...I've had my PMS moment...but seriously, stop this idiot. Seriously!

[astra]

Be like Shultz on Hogan's Heroes when it comes to your own squirrels - you know nothing!!!

:soapbox Everyone is right, the authorities can't come into your home w/o probable cause and some dipsh%&'s word over yours is not enough cause. Don't be afraid of him or what could happen if you report him. Do it in secret if you want...and if not, then let one of us on the TSB do it. But it needs to be done.

Where's Jackie? She'd kick this guy's tail in two seconds!!! Oh Jackie!!!!! We need you!!!!!!!:osnap

Idiots and guns are a bad mix!!! Unfortunately they never shoot themselves in their own rear...which they so deserve!!!!

Shove the fear away and step up for the defenseless squirrels before more have to die. You can do it...or we here on the board can. Either way, it must be done!

Ok...I've had my PMS moment...but seriously, stop this idiot. Seriously!
:thumbsup

[mpetys]

One other thing as food for thought: All the great suggestions above focus on his current [despicable] behavior --> getting rid of all the squirrels. None yet address the reason he is trying to get rid of the squirrels in the first place.

If he is remotely receptive, perhaps you could help him with remedies to squirrel proof his house so that he does not see them as such a destructive threat. Educate him, help him, "sympathize" with the attic destruction, whatever it takes, because it is very likely he will find ways around all the attempts to sabotage his trap.

???

Food for thought. [Might not work.]

Thank you Pierre for a great suggestion. Better to win him over with kindness and maybe he will in turn realize how horrible what he is doing is and in turn, will have a change of heart and be kind to the squirrels. Wouldn't that be great if he had such a change of heart that he even wanted to put up squirrel nest boxes for them? We can hope can't we?

Michele

[SquirrelNut]

this guy is a punk killing off helpless critters!

there are other things he could do to secure his attic more humanely! instead of keeping out a couple of squirrels, he is killing off many! he is an A$$!

i would report him in a second. do not fear him or what he can do to you!

we have to look out for those who are unable to protect themselves whether a human or animal!

i could not sleep a wink knowing what he is doing next door!

he is LUCKY he is NOT my neighbor as it would be STOPPED one way or the other! he is just a JERK!

report his insane A$$! if not, there are many here on the Board who would love to assist you and the defenseless squirrels! i will be more than happy to make a call to the authorities from san francisco!

it would be just too bad if he trips on one of his killing trips to the backyard!

[FlyerMommy]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I didn't reply sooner computer problems.

:thankyou Thank You for all the great input. I'll try to respond to all the great advice, and suggestions. Also I've been keeping check on the trap, and no little critters :squirrel1 caught so far. Maybe the human pee is working:wahoo

As far as turning him in anonymously, this is a very small neighborhood. The lots are less than 1/2 acre, there are only 10 houses on my street, and maybe 25 houses in the whole neighborhood. On my street everyone knows each other. When I first had my home built here 10 years ago, I knew everyone on this street, and we used to have cookouts together. But about 8 years ago I remarried and leased my house for 6 years. Two years ago I separated and moved back to this neighborhood. There is only one of the original couples that still live on this street, everyone else is new to me. The people who were leasing my house had made friends with everyone, so since they had to move out it made me the BLACKSHEEP of the neighborhood. The one couple I know from when I first built my home still has cookouts, but I'm never invited.

As far as letting someone else take care of my Flyers (fuzzy kids), I have no one close by that can do it. Plus there cage is very large, it's a Critter Nation 2 tier 36L 24W 63H. It would be fun to try to move it out of the house unseen. I have 4 male flyers, they are brothers. I caught them in my attic in a humane mouse trap that scoops them in when they trip the center button of the trap. I caught the 4 boys 1st, then the mother who was to long for the trap. She only made it half way in when it tripped, and she didn't make it. I felt so bad about what I had done, and cried for a while. Then I made her a promise that I would take good care of her babies. At that time I knew nothing about flyers, but thanks to TSB I've learned a lot.

I was hoping that someone who lived in NC may have a girl flyer to maybe sale or trade. My boys are about a year old.

I'm checking on firearm discharge, and if it is legal in NC to trap and kill squirrels. If there are any NC rehabbers here, maybe they would know about it.

I also love the idea with Halloween coming up and breaking the cage, along with some other nasty little tricks, :devil TP the yard & trees, pile dog pooh on front porch, get a couple of dozen eggs, and the one thing I've always wanted to do to someone who deserved it Take a Bottle of Weed Killer and Write Something Real Nice Across the Front Yard. This is one person who really deserves the works. This way it would be blamed on mischievous kids.

The reason why he's getting rid of the squirrels is because 2 of them had gotten into his attic. He got them out ,and found out who they got in and fixed it. When I first saw what he was doing I tried talking to him. I even told him if he was killing Mother squirrels all the babies in the nest would die too. He said good, that would mean less around here. On top of trapping them he has a bird feeder in his backyard.

For right now I'm checking the trap about every hour. Right now he has it sitting under a tree, just barely on his side of the property line. I can see it by looking out my side door window. I just hope they don't come out at night looking for food. The spacing in the bars on the cage are to big to trap flyers, thank goodness.

Everyone Thank You,
Flyermommy

[FlyerMommy]

you could try sprinkling cinnamon around or breaking up cinnamon sticks

I would like to :gun2 him down after catching him in a trap



I would love to do the same thing to him



Flyermommy

[FlyerMommy]

I've got a taser.....wanna borrow it?:D





And taser his pea nuts :rotfl



Flyermommy

[FlyerMommy]

Private Message me his address and I'll say I was visiting a relative in the area and saw him killing the squirrels. I'll gladly turn that turd in - no problem. I'll await your PM.



Thanks, and wish it would work, but everyone knows everyone else.




Flyermommy

[FlyerMommy]

Now I don't know much about flyers.....But can't those be purchased from a Breeder? If so then they would be legit. AND do you really think the Cops would know the difference.B Assertive, B Direct, B a Beotch and turn him in:thumbsup Also halloween is just around the corner:D A good toilet paper tantrum in his yard would certainly make me sleep good fro at least ONE NIGHT



Flyers are not legal to keep in NC. Mine where to use to humans and even are dogs, before I knew enough about them to release them.

But I love the Halloween suggestion, :icon_devil and plan on using it.


Flyermommy

[FlyerMommy]

Update



Still no little critters of any kind :Squirrel :squirrel1 :bunny :hamstar have been trapped in the cage :injail as of this morning.:wahoo




The trap will be smashed :get_em very soon, and if he does replace it I've decided to have him turned in.


This is the first Halloween :icon_devil I've looked forward to :hyper since I was young.

[Jackie in Tampa]

Update



Still no little critters of any kind :Squirrel :squirrel1 :bunny :hamstar have been trapped in the cage :injail as of this morning.:wahoo




The trap will be smashed :get_em very soon, and if he does replace it I've decided to have him turned in.


This is the first Halloween :icon_devil I've looked forward to :hyper since I was young.
get him!:soapbox he earned it!

[tomcics]

To me this neighbor of your is no different than a murderer of humans, except maybe more of a coward since he is choosing tiny defenseless squirrels to kill. The only Halloween justice would be if Michael Myers paid him a visit.

[FlyerMommy]

Hi Everyone,

Halloween :crazy is just around the corner.

Anyone wanting to get in on the :jump FUN?

If so, post your Halloween :icon_devil prank suggestions.

Number 1 on the list is to destroy :get_em the :injail Trap.



Thank You,
Flyermommy

[CritterMom]

Don't break the trap - he will just replace it and maybe move it where you cannot monitor it. Keep urine on it - "refresh" frequently. If you or a friend have a dog, you could use that; if you know someone with a cat, get the litter box trash and use that. They won't go into a pee covered trap with a perfectly good bird feeder in the back yard.

I also wouldn't go nuts with Halloween tricks - they will only make YOU feel good and this isn't about you. Fly under the radar, girl... He will get tired of this eventually, especially since he isn't trapping anything. If he suspects he is getting targeted he will likely double down and you will only have succeeded in making things worse.

Never, ever use those flip traps - they are killers - I had the same thing happen with a mouse. Hav-a-hart types are the only really safe way to trap animals.

[Fireweed]

:rotfl :rotfl That sounds like a great Halloween, Freddymommy...good time to get back at a poo poo neighbour! :icon_devil
But I hate to be a downer: I to-tall-y agree with Crittermom. I would keep under the radar and I wouldn't break the trap. Most likely he'll just get another one and move it and then you and our little squirrel friends are screwed. He obviously hasn't figured out that there is pee on his poo poo trap (:D yes, I'm 10) so I'd just keep refreshing it, like Critter says. Maybe he'll think he's done a 'good' job and has trapped enough squirrels if none are finding their way into the trap anymore. (That's such great news, btw! :multi Good pee-er. Good. :bowdown )

One thing though, there was a suggestion of cat litter/trash...I would never use that around squirrels (or rodents of any kind) or anywhere they might live. They can get a disease from it similar to the roundworm disease/toxoplasmosis and it sticks around in the environment for a very long time. Kitty poo poo on that idea. :tilt

[virgo062]

Good thing he does not live close to me....I roll everyones yard on Halloween:rotfl One year I even rolled my own it was so much fun:thumbsup

[astra]

what if he ends up setting up a trap in his backyard by the bird feeder?... I am sure squirrels visit his birdfeeder, and if he sees them there, he'll get even angrier, because now it's not just the attic, but the feeder, too..

... still thinking of ways to report him... I honestly don't think they will tell him who reported. And if, as NutmegsMommy suggested, someone just "visited" relatives/friends/whatever in that neighborhood, he won't be able to know anyway, even if the neighborhood is rather small. Someone may not even have to visit relatives, they can simply happen to be in the neighborhood when they saw/heard him shoot (say, they were out for a walk from some nearby neighborhood, for a drive, looking for a house to buy whatever).

[justcuterats]

I would surmise that many of the posters here have never had a REAL squirrel problem. Have you ever had them in your attic? Pulling everything they can get their teeth into apart? Keeping you awake ALL night? Peeing & deficating everywhere? And worse still, chewing on cables and endangering you, your family and your neighbours lives with the threat of fire?

I have and suddenly they aren't so cute anymore. And that's what we're talking about here - the only diffirence between a squirrel and a rat is that a squirrel is cute. Is anyone out there trying to 'save the rats' or annoyed with guy next door disposing of them? No, of course not...because rats aren't cute.

Until you've had a real squirrel problem, you can't really criticise someone about how they deal with it. It can be a very stressfull situation. Walk in another mans shoes first etc before you judge him.

[island rehabber]

I would surmise that many of the posters here have never had a REAL squirrel problem. Have you ever had them in your attic? Pulling everything they can get their teeth into apart? Keeping you awake ALL night? Peeing & deficating everywhere? And worse still, chewing on cables and endangering you, your family and your neighbours lives with the threat of fire?

I have and suddenly they aren't so cute anymore. And that's what we're talking about here - the only diffirence between a squirrel and a rat is that a squirrel is cute. Is anyone out there trying to 'save the rats' or annoyed with guy next door disposing of them? No, of course not...because rats aren't cute.

Until you've had a real squirrel problem, you can't really criticise someone about how they deal with it. It can be a very stressfull situation. Walk in another mans shoes first etc before you judge him.

Hoot mon, you surmise wrong. :D
Most of the folks here know squirrels very, very well. And with all of our knowledge of their good points and bad, we would never EVER dream of hurting one. That's what makes us Squirrel Board folks.....and you, well, NOT. :nono

[stosh2010]

Amazing...that was his (hers) first post--ever. He registered just to vent.
Merry Christmas...to all the Scots...and RATS are definitely CUTE--too.
################################################## ####################
Stosh >>> Keeper of the KING ( of Costa Rica )

[astra]

I would surmise that many of the posters here have never had a REAL squirrel problem. Have you ever had them in your attic? Pulling everything they can get their teeth into apart? Keeping you awake ALL night? Peeing & deficating everywhere? And worse still, chewing on cables and endangering you, your family and your neighbours lives with the threat of fire?

I have and suddenly they aren't so cute anymore. And that's what we're talking about here - the only diffirence between a squirrel and a rat is that a squirrel is cute. Is anyone out there trying to 'save the rats' or annoyed with guy next door disposing of them? No, of course not...because rats aren't cute.

Until you've had a real squirrel problem, you can't really criticise someone about how they deal with it. It can be a very stressfull situation. Walk in another mans shoes first etc before you judge him.

This is not "surmising", this is making a huge sweeping ungrounded assumption.

1. Quite a few people here have had squirrels in their attics, garages etc. But the way they dealt with that problem was determined by their understanding that squirrels, just like raccoons, rats, skunks and all other animals whom ppl consider pests, have the same right to be here, if not more rights to be here.
You see, they do not really know that some human build a house and made that spot his/her property, and the trees, on which these squirrels' ancestors lived for ages, ended up on that person's property or next to that person's house. You see, to them those trees are still their trees.

2. The "infestations" of animals are all people's own fault. They dispose of their garbage incorrectly, thus inviting raccoons and rats (especially, eating establishments), they do not properly seal holes, cracks and various openings in their basements, attics, roofs. These examples can be quite long.
I, personally, often talk to the pest control ppl that come to our work place every month. And they confirm: rat/raccoon/mice/etc infestations are caused by people's irresponsible actions.

3. When a squirrel or a raccoon does end up in one's attic, there is a perfectly humane way of getting rid of them.
E.g., my landlord often faces squirrels in his attics, and he is not a TSB person. BUT he does admit that it's not squirrels' fault and no animal should be hurt. So, he found an animal removing company, whose owner is a normal guy, too.
If it is a baby season, he waits for some time, to make sure there are no babies. Then, he installs one-way doors - the animal can leave, but cannot go back.THAT IS IT! END OF PROBLEM! AND NO CREATURE IS HURT!

And if you go to any wildlife removing companies, read their brochures etc, you will be told that after that it is strongly suggested to inspect your attic/basement/whatnot for possible holes and cracks and seal them to avoid future invasions.

But most people are too lazy and too cheap to take responsibility for ensuring the house is animal-proof. It is much easier to kill these innocent vulnerable creatures.

As for the noise... well, it looks like a lot of people don't mind loud music, parties, obnoxious loud neighbors or non-stop working TVs in their homes, but an occasional pitter-patter of a 1lb animal annoys them.

Besides, there is NO WAY that squirrels are CONSTANTLY running and waking you up. During the day they are mostly outside, and at night they are fast asleep. And even when they run occasionally, it is not louder than the TV in your living room.

I, myself, had squirrels living over my head, and I know that they are gone most of the day, like good tenants. Only coming home to sleep, or in bad weather.

But regardless of the sound preferences,
it is the home owner's responsibility to animal-proof their house.
And it is a human's moral responsibility to find ways of removing the animal in a humane way, without hurting it. And it is possible!

Humans are the most invasive irresponsible destructive and cruel species!

PS. For your information:

1. squirrels and rats aren't the same. They belong to completely different families: Sciuridae and Muridae respectively.

2. actually, rats are cute, too. But to see that it takes an above average mind.

3. yes, we save rats, too, because EVERY ANIMAL IS PRECIOUS! Regardless of whether one considers it "cute" or not.

[astra]

P.S. Just sort of wondering: what kind of person would want to go through a registration process only to ignorantly, with quite a few typos (or spelling mistakes;-)), go off like that on CHRISTMAS DAY!....hmmm....from what I learned in my psychology classes, there might a few issues to resolve, therapeutically, that is...:thinking :dono :)

[mpetys]

Astra - another great posting.

Michele

[SquirrelNut]

OMG, why would you come out of your hole on Christmas Day to attack SQUIRRELS on a Board that obviously LOVES them????:shakehead

I will NEVER understand some people!

IR, thanks for your magnificient and objective "banning" of this individual!:D

Merry Christmas to ALL the Squirrels in the World and to ALL the People who LOVE them!

CM25

[island rehabber]

astra, those of us who are Moderators can tell you that every major holiday brings out the nuts -- and I don't mean pecans and almonds. :shakehead We had a 4th of July blitz one year that would have blown your mind: one weirdo dysfunctional geek after another, spamming (usually with dead squirrel pix) TSB for over three hours. We've had similar freak shows on New Year's Day and Christmas. Today's been light so far, if you look at our history. :D

Maybe their shrinks' offices are closed? They run out of their meds and the drugstores are closed? Whatever -- it's a Holiday Freak Show for sure.

[Scooterzmom]

...about cayenne... I don't know, this is something I heard from someone who considered ways to protect their flower bulbs from squirrels. They told me that they read/heard/were told that pepper adversely affects squirrels' eyes/vision, that they might gradually go blind or lose their vision partially. That's why they decided not to use it to protect their bulbs (good ppl).
Again, don't know how true this is, but just thought i'd share (just in case)

Please don't use cayenne!!!! They get their little paws on/in it and then may rub their faces, eyes and they get badly burned from it.

One natural product I've had great success with is pureed garlic. I take big whole cloves of them, puree the entire thing with a little bit of water and put some around whatever I don't want them to touch. Usually works like a charm. I've rubbed that concoction on my wood railings which they would chew on; since then they have stopped chewing them. They also hate the smell of mothballs but if you use those, do not use the crystals - since they could walk in those and get poisoned from licking themselves clean. I use whole mothballs and bury them (shallow beneath the surface) near what I don't want them to touch. We don't smell them but they do and they will not dig to get them out cuz they hate the smell.

Ideally you try to get the offending stuff on or near the trap but in such a way that your neighbor cannot detect it. Hopefully he'll just be ticked off when he realizes that the trap doesn't work OR he might think he's won the war against the sqees. ;)

[Kat762]

If this jack@$$ is determined to kill the squirrels and he is turned in for shooting off his gun, I would be afraid that he would then poison them = (

I hope and pray one of the natural repellants like fox pee or neighbor pee:rotfl works, I think the only way to keep the squirrels safe is to keep them away, and also not put any food out :shakehead

I'm sorry you have to live next door to that murderer =(

Pray to the Great Spirit to make him go away one way or another for the animal's sakes.:grouphug

[Lulu2010]

Some good friends of ours had a squirrel problem in their attic several months back. They were getting in through a hole in the siding and making so much noise and mess. One night they had just laid down to go to bed and the wife happened to look at the ceiling and freaked because there was a little squirrel head peering out at them through a hole he had chewed through their ceiling at some point. Finally, they had enough. They searched the attic the next day so they could scare out any squirrels that were there (they didn't see any) and they patched the hole that they were entering through. Since then, they haven't had any more problems. I think this guy is just taking it too far and trying to get revenge on squirrels that were just trying to find a safe and cozy place to live. They didn't know any better. Now that he solved the problem, he should just let it go. What a jerk for killing them. I hope all the squirrels team up to reek havoc on his house. :soapbox Maybe then he'll just move.

[astra]

there was a little squirrel head peering out at them through a hole he had chewed through their ceiling at some point. .
Of course, that must have been a project to search the attic and patch the hole, but I just cannot help laughing.... I had a similar situation when some fuzzbutt tried to get through a fan vent on the kitchen ceiling...
:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
But I didn't get to see a little squirrel face, because my landlord closed all openings. And yes, that solved the problem.
In fact, it is often strongly suggested that homeowners inspect their houses for holes and other possible animal entry points. Once those are patched and potentially 'weak' points are reinforced, the problem is solved, pretty much (unless there is some especially determined furball - then, of course, a little extra effort might be needed;-)).

[Rhapsody]

This happened with my son and his neighbor a few years back and my son was told by the city, animal control and the police department that as long as his neighbor was in his own yard and was only using a BB gun (not a gun) to shoot the squirrels with that he was not breaking the law... as our county deems wild squirrels a nuisance.

Man did that make us soooooo MAD/ANGRY - :soapbox :poke :soapbox

My son had to stop feeding the squirrels in his own back yard to keep them safe from his next door neighbor....... and my husband had to keep my son from beating the stupid out of his neighbor....... - - - - - - - - - - -> some people :poke :shakehead

[mpetys]

Of course, that must have been a project to search the attic and patch the hole, but I just cannot help laughing.... I had a similar situation when some fuzzbutt tried to get through a fan vent on the kitchen ceiling...
:rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl :rotfl
But I didn't get to see a little squirrel face, because my landlord closed all openings. And yes, that solved the problem.
In fact, it is often strongly suggested that homeowners inspect their houses for holes and other possible animal entry points. Once those are patched and potentially 'weak' points are reinforced, the problem is solved, pretty much (unless there is some especially determined furball - then, of course, a little extra effort might be needed;-)).

My husband is a beekeeper and Astra's advice is also good advice to prevent bees from taking up in your attic or walls. Just remember that a bee just needs a tiny little opening. Like when holes are drilled to run water or electrical pipes through the wall - make sure the hole is sealed tight around the pipes or the bees will use that as an entry point. My husband recently took some interior drywall out and removed a beehive that filled a section of the wall between the 2 x 4's (either 16" or 24" - don't remember) and it filled from floor to ceiling about 8'. They had filled about 1/2 of the next section.

Michele

[TheSquawker]

This happened with my son and his neighbor a few years back and my son was told by the city, animal control and the police department that as long as his neighbor was in his own yard and was only using a BB gun (not a gun) to shoot the squirrels with that he was not breaking the law... as our county deems wild squirrels a nuisance.


I don't know what the laws are down there, but here there is a hunting and trapping season on squirrels. You have to have a hunting license even if you are on your own land as far as I know.
I don't know if the size of the gun matters but there are usually laws on that too. I was just looking at the hunting guide last month (although I don't hunt, I go into the wilderness a lot. What little is left around here.) I was wondering then why anyone would want to trap a squirrel. I guess now I know.

[naturelady1]

I'm sorry I have to vent here. :soapbox Game Laws should apply to this somehow. The world we find ourselves living in is really messed up when it allows someone to trap and kill a critter, deeming it a nuisance, after they've moved into the habitat this animal and its ancestors had known for centuries, and offer shelter in the form of house openings incorrectly sealed and food in the form of bird seed, outside dog dishes, and improperly contained garbage. Animals are opportunists, thats how they survive.

I lose more and more respect for the human species the older I get. We have the bigger brain cavity, you think we could figure it out. These animals are no threat to our species survival. These ignorant slobs are doing this as a power trip, nothing more. Guess I sound cynical, but so many are so stoopid.

And then... I think about the the kind of wonderful caring folks that are here at the TSB :Love_Icon and climb down off my soapbox, realizing that there many people who do "get it". Like everyone else, I get frustrated, but realize that education and experiences play a huge role in how people respond to the natural world around them

Its the reason I teach children, so that hopefull they have a clue by the time they get to be adults.
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in” Rachel Carson

Sorry, got off topic a bit, but falling off those damn soapboxes can be discombobulating....:ohthedrama

[Chickenlegs]

Like everyone else, I get frustrated, but realize that education and experiences play a huge role in how people respond to the natural world around them
Its the reason I teach children, so that hopefull they have a clue by the time they get to be adults.
“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder without any such gift from the fairies, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in” Rachel Carson

AMEN! Every critter I get goes to school. The children (and their parents) learn to love and respect animals. Can't tell you how many PARENTS hated possums until they met Porky Possum. My children are the best ambassadors for wildlife preservation there are--they teach their families. I'm afraid we can't help the braindead but teach a child and that child teaches the world.

[naturelady1]

I'm afraid we can't help the braindead but teach a child and that child teaches the world.
:goodpost :multi

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

He won't even know who's reported him. I mean, you could have told your other friends, and other friends to friends.. etc. Besides, the gun shots are so loud surely other neighbours/animal lovers would have known about! I think your brave actions will save many poor squirrels' lifes.

You can spy away from home until the cops arrive. To be double safe, you may want to take your flyers with you incase he reports on you. In the mean time, the fox urine around his trap could help abit.

[SquirrelsinSingapore]

I'm sorry I have to vent here. :soapbox Game Laws should apply to this somehow. The world we find ourselves living in is really messed up when it allows someone to trap and kill a critter, deeming it a nuisance, after they've moved into the habitat this animal and its ancestors had known for centuries, and offer shelter in the form of house openings incorrectly sealed and food in the form of bird seed, outside dog dishes, and improperly contained garbage. Animals are opportunists, thats how they survive.

I lose more and more respect for the human species the older I get.

I share your sentiments. Fact is most humans can be very selfish and can't care less. I hope a restraint law could be passed in a bill or something (hopefully someone from PETA can push for the matter) The other fact that squirrels are still categorised rodents and not protected by animal protection law still bugs me. From where I am, hunting and weaponary isn't allowed. But if someone like Obama can approve some kind of 'squirrel protection restraint order' it would be most perfect given the high numbers from America
:grouphug Rally!:grouphug :grouphug
My apologies for getting off topic

[Moneypenny4M]

what if he ends up setting up a trap in his backyard by the bird feeder?... I am sure squirrels visit his birdfeeder, and if he sees them there, he'll get even angrier, because now it's not just the attic, but the feeder, too..

... still thinking of ways to report him... I honestly don't think they will tell him who reported. And if, as NutmegsMommy suggested, someone just "visited" relatives/friends/whatever in that neighborhood, he won't be able to know anyway, even if the neighborhood is rather small. Someone may not even have to visit relatives, they can simply happen to be in the neighborhood when they saw/heard him shoot (say, they were out for a walk from some nearby neighborhood, for a drive, looking for a house to buy whatever).

Astra, you can report anonymously. I'm not sure what your wildlife laws are where you are. My neighbor is trapping squirrels too, because they have dug in his vegetable garden too much. He was releasing them, but not so sure any more and we're not talking any more. Not since he said he "got a gun." Threaten my critters and you're dead to me.

He complained to the city that they were getting in my house. Well, it's MY house, NOT his- and no, there aren't any in here now!

I might want to add that this guy has been flashing me for years and just a couple of weeks ago grabbed me - I shrugged him off and have avoided him as much as possible. I was afraid to report it. Afraid that something like this would happen as a result. I guess I knew my customer! Get busted for indecent exposure and squirrels would be the least of his worries!:sanp3

[Moneypenny4M]

Oh yeah, and the squirrels he complains about are going in his BACK yard. I feed the squirrels in front, on my porch, facing AWAY from his house. I have a bird feeder in back- can't help it if squirrels raid that! :D

[Moneypenny4M]

This is not "surmising", this is making a huge sweeping ungrounded assumption.

1. Quite a few people here have had squirrels in their attics, garages etc. But the way they dealt with that problem was determined by their understanding that squirrels, just like raccoons, rats, skunks and all other animals whom ppl consider pests, have the same right to be here, if not more rights to be here.
You see, they do not really know that some human build a house and made that spot his/her property, and the trees, on which these squirrels' ancestors lived for ages, ended up on that person's property or next to that person's house. You see, to them those trees are still their trees.

2. The "infestations" of animals are all people's own fault. They dispose of their garbage incorrectly, thus inviting raccoons and rats (especially, eating establishments), they do not properly seal holes, cracks and various openings in their basements, attics, roofs. These examples can be quite long.
I, personally, often talk to the pest control ppl that come to our work place every month. And they confirm: rat/raccoon/mice/etc infestations are caused by people's irresponsible actions.

3. When a squirrel or a raccoon does end up in one's attic, there is a perfectly humane way of getting rid of them.
E.g., my landlord often faces squirrels in his attics, and he is not a TSB person. BUT he does admit that it's not squirrels' fault and no animal should be hurt. So, he found an animal removing company, whose owner is a normal guy, too.
If it is a baby season, he waits for some time, to make sure there are no babies. Then, he installs one-way doors - the animal can leave, but cannot go back.THAT IS IT! END OF PROBLEM! AND NO CREATURE IS HURT!

And if you go to any wildlife removing companies, read their brochures etc, you will be told that after that it is strongly suggested to inspect your attic/basement/whatnot for possible holes and cracks and seal them to avoid future invasions.

But most people are too lazy and too cheap to take responsibility for ensuring the house is animal-proof. It is much easier to kill these innocent vulnerable creatures.

As for the noise... well, it looks like a lot of people don't mind loud music, parties, obnoxious loud neighbors or non-stop working TVs in their homes, but an occasional pitter-patter of a 1lb animal annoys them.

Besides, there is NO WAY that squirrels are CONSTANTLY running and waking you up. During the day they are mostly outside, and at night they are fast asleep. And even when they run occasionally, it is not louder than the TV in your living room.

I, myself, had squirrels living over my head, and I know that they are gone most of the day, like good tenants. Only coming home to sleep, or in bad weather.

But regardless of the sound preferences,
it is the home owner's responsibility to animal-proof their house.
And it is a human's moral responsibility to find ways of removing the animal in a humane way, without hurting it. And it is possible!

Humans are the most invasive irresponsible destructive and cruel species!

PS. For your information:

1. squirrels and rats aren't the same. They belong to completely different families: Sciuridae and Muridae respectively.

2. actually, rats are cute, too. But to see that it takes an above average mind.

3. yes, we save rats, too, because EVERY ANIMAL IS PRECIOUS! Regardless of whether one considers it "cute" or not.

The squirrels around here used to have LOTS of trees to build nests in. More and more got cut down. Then people wonder why they seek other shelter???
:soapbox
I'd rather have squirrels over my head than a lot of people I know!

[Moneypenny4M]

P.S. Just sort of wondering: what kind of person would want to go through a registration process only to ignorantly, with quite a few typos (or spelling mistakes;-)), go off like that on CHRISTMAS DAY!....hmmm....from what I learned in my psychology classes, there might a few issues to resolve, therapeutically, that is...:thinking :dono :)

Sounds like something one of my asshat neighbors would do!:sanp3

[Moneypenny4M]

OMG, why would you come out of your hole on Christmas Day to attack SQUIRRELS on a Board that obviously LOVES them????:shakehead

I will NEVER understand some people!

IR, thanks for your magnificient and objective "banning" of this individual!:D

Merry Christmas to ALL the Squirrels in the World and to ALL the People who LOVE them!

CM25

I hope that I'm reading correctly, that this asswipe is no longer able to access this board?:rotfl

[vovere]

A sad hello to everyone,

Before you read this story, the only reason have not turned him
in is because, I have 4 Flyers I rescued from my attic. They are treated
like royalty, but not legal to keep in my state. My neighbor knows
I have them, and I don't want to have my little fuzzy buddies taken
away.

I live in a small subdivision and my next door neighbor is setting a trap outside in his yard catching poor squirrels looking for food, then shooting them. He said a couple of months ago 2 squirrels had gotten in his attic, and he had a hard time getting them out. So now he has waged war on all the squirrels in the neighborhood. I had seen him after he had shoot one a couple of months ago.I told him it was illegal, and if it was a mother all her babies would die to in hopes that he wouldn't do it again. But I found out just a little while ago he was still killing them. My Daughter was taking the dogs out and heard a shot, then saw him taking it to bury.
I watched him to see where he reset the trap just incase he caught another before dark, so I could set it free. What can I do to keep the squirrels away from the cage trap. I could sometimes sneak over and trip it, but he would know it's me. Is there anything I can pour on the cage that would keep them away from it. They are grey squirrels. Do they only come out during the day?
Any information or help please. I'm trying to keep a close eye on the trap and help any that may get caught..


Thank You for any Help
Flyermommy

It may be illegal interfering with his trapping since he is trying to protect his family from house fires caused by squirrels biting electrical wire in the house. Get a job and let the man protect his family! Get a life.

[Nancy in New York]

It may be illegal interfering with his trapping since he is trying to protect his family from house fires caused by squirrels biting electrical wire in the house. Get a job and let the man protect his family! Get a life.

You are digging up lots of old posts.
Is there something that we can help you with?

[Garden71]

It may be illegal interfering with his trapping since he is trying to protect his family from house fires caused by squirrels biting electrical wire in the house. Get a job and let the man protect his family! Get a life.

:trollsign:banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick :banstick

[Kikiboo]

I do believe the "Stop the 7th Annual Hazzard County Holley New York Squirrel Hunt" has brought many of the floundering squirrel killers out of their dreys... ;) they are and a seek and attack mission everywhere right now (including my own Fbk page).
No worries, we outnumber them... At over 12000 strong and growing, there are all kinds of 'anti-squirrel' pages popping up on Fbk and people's blogs are being trolled by ogres...:osnap but that's ok. Their ignorance only serves to expose them for the cruel people they are, with a lack of not only compassion, but quite obviously intelligence as well. :thinking

No worries... Keep that mallet handy, and keep the support up against the squirrel hunt in Holley NY! (Pls sign all 3 petitions :thumbsup )
Petition to Holley, New York, via Change.org:
https://www.change.org/petitions/fire-dept-of-holley-new-york-stop-the-mass-slaughter-of-squirrels-call-off-squirrel-slam-on-feb-16th

Petition to Care2 Petition Site:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/477/007/618/tell-ny-stop-squirrel-slaughter-contest/?cid=FB_TAF

Petition to Mayor John W. Kenney Jr., via Change.org:
https://www.change.org/en-CA/petitions/mayor-john-w-kenney-jr-please-stop-the-hazzard-county-squirrel-slam?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=url_share&utm_campaign=url_share_afte

:thankyou for keeping up the good fight :Love_Icon