Help! Office Maintanance Jerk Threatening Nutz!

[Nickel63]

Hi All,

I need some advice please. As some of you know I've befriended a wild squirrel at my office and she's been visiting me every day for about 1 1/2 years. Here is the link to the my thread: http://thesquirrelboard.com/forums/showthread.php?34990-This-is-Nutz-my-wild-best-friend

Well, the maintanance guy approached one of my co-workers (there are only 4 of us in the office and all of them love Nutz) a few weeks ago and basically wants me to stop attracting her and other squirrels claiming they are destroying the window sill. My co-worker immediately took him outside and showed him the shape of all the other sills on the campus. He went away saying he'll talk to me. Well, today was the day. He's threatening to shut me down and went and got the manager. We live next to an arroyo in Pasadena therefore there is lots of wildlife in the area...naturally. They really can't come up with a good excuse for me to stop just claiming that they are rodents and I believe they are reacting on the bad PR squirrels get. :frustratedx Does anyone have any suggestions of any reading material I can get these people so they can be educated? I'm really scared they will pressure us somehow and I'll have to shut Nutz out which would really break my heart. :Cry Whatever advice you all have would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

[MollyBear361]

Oh no!!!! I'm sorry. Offer to pay for new windowsill? Or paint it yourself or whatever? Idk.

[SammysMom]

Maybe offer to put something over the windowsill to protect it and serve as a feeding area?

[Starfish]

Do you have a picture of the windowsill?

Does the squirrel go in the building?

Sorry, full context helps me with giving advice.

[Nickel63]

Do you have a picture of the windowsill?

Does the squirrel go in the building?

Sorry, full context helps me with giving advice.

Hi Starfish,
I can get pictures of the window sill up later but, in the meantime, I have a Youtube page with videos of my interactions with her. You can see them here: https://www.youtube.com/my_videos?o=U

Thanks for trying to help everyone!

[Nickel63]

Hi Starfish,
Here are some pictures of my sill and others around mine. My Sill:
211492
Window Inside:
211493 211494 211495
Other windows, not mine:
211496 211497

[LeilaNami]

I've seen window sills destroyed by squirrels before...yours is just wear and tear in the paint. The maintenance guy sounds like he just wants to play the blame game.

[Starfish]

Explain the wear and tear leilanami just said. However, "as an act of good faith", offer to paint for them and offer to put something over to protect it. Plexi? Bit that's slippery. Aluminum plating?

[Starfish]

Just make it clear you in no way believe the squirrel is responsible. Note no teeth or claw marks. But you 're willing to paint in good faith.

[Starfish]

Find pics of sills that have been destroyed.. You could show an example (or not to not give ideas. Take time/date stamped pics occasionally to show it's wear and tear, not squirrel (overnight).

[FatJay]

That windowsill is old, not destroyed. The color paint certainly doesn't help as it's a color that was popular 30+ years ago. Worst case scenario say you'll paint it yourself, and maybe they'll leave you be.

[MollyBear361]

I'm sorry, it just sounds like he is an a**hole and I hope that he comes halfway with you....unfortunately, it sounds like he wont. Some people are just animal haters.....All suggestions are good. :thumbsup

[farrelli]

I'd talk to him privately, try to prove that Nutz isn't at fault if that's the case, offer to pay for any damages or fix them yourself, tell him how much she means to you, and maybe bring him a little gift. If he doesn't see reason, talk to his boss and plead you case. Tell him/her how popular Nutz is, that she's the office mascot, and that you really want to work things out.

[kastillo]

Shoot, your sill looks better than the others.
Sounds like he's just hating on yours and Nutz relationship. Offer to find him a baby squirrel to raise, THAT will change his mind. LOL!

[Unikorngrrl]

If the nice doesn't work, threaten to call PETA and have them smeared across the world for being animal haters...

And if they keep up the BS, actually call...

[Nickel63]

:thankyou Everyone for your input.

Unfortunately, this guy is not to be reasoned with as he's got a bit of a power trip going. He is really a loser. :skwredup Anyway, I have the support of my co-workers so we'll see if management wants to make a big deal of this or not. Maintenance is only around until 3 or 4 everyday so, until this blows over, I will try and be low key about the whole situation by just interacting with her later in the day and slipping her nuts the rest of the time. I can offer to have the sill "fixed" but that won't quell him. Here is a quote from yesterday, "They're rodents and we don't want to attract them". If only people would educate themselves before snapping to judgement. How can you look at this gentle Foxer and think anything negative? :Love_Icon I just don't get people.:shakehead

[Starfish]

If the nice doesn't work, threaten to call PETA and have them smeared across the world for being animal haters...

And if they keep up the BS, actually call...

Hmmm... Better yet; do all the other suggestions (especially take dated pics). Then if they try something, jump straight to actily calling PETA.

[Starfish]

:thankyou Everyone for your input.

Unfortunately, this guy is not to be reasoned with as he's got a bit of a power trip going. He is really a loser. :skwredup Anyway, I have the support of my co-workers so we'll see if management wants to make a big deal of this or not. Maintenance is only around until 3 or 4 everyday so, until this blows over, I will try and be low key about the whole situation by just interacting with her later in the day and slipping her nuts the rest of the time. I can offer to have the sill "fixed" but that won't quell him. Here is a quote from yesterday, "They're rodents and we don't want to attract them". If only people would educate themselves before snapping to judgement. How can you look at this gentle Foxer and think anything negative? :Love_Icon I just don't get people.:shakehead

As you said, power trip. We as people want to be alpha by nature. Some people go about it the wrong way. It's a bit of bullying mixed In by someone who feels or is otherwise impotent.

[Starfish]

You could offer to build a squirrel feed so the squirrel doesn't 'damage' the actual window. Hng it on the wall(with permission... Written or witnessed verbal) or in a nearby tree.

Start putting up posters in the office about how caring for animals brings out the best in us. Someone on here has a quote in their signature about mankind being judged by how it treats animals...

Try to avoid playing into his hate game. Keep it rational (he is irrational) and positive. He'll give you grief because being rational and positive are a threat to his way of life.

But you'll be the better person and if things turn nasty, you can show you've acted in good faith all along.

Keep calm, breathe and keep detailed notes (interactions, "damage", etc

[Starfish]

:thankyou Everyone for your input.

Unfortunately, this guy is not to be reasoned with as he's got a bit of a power trip going. He is really a loser. :skwredup Anyway, I have the support of my co-workers so we'll see if management wants to make a big deal of this or not. Maintenance is only around until 3 or 4 everyday so, until this blows over, I will try and be low key about the whole situation by just interacting with her later in the day and slipping her nuts the rest of the time. I can offer to have the sill "fixed" but that won't quell him. Here is a quote from yesterday, "They're rodents and we don't want to attract them". If only people would educate themselves before snapping to judgement. How can you look at this gentle Foxer and think anything negative? :Love_Icon I just don't get people.:shakehead

Who is "we"? Has he clearly defined that? Just like saying 'its policy'; what policy? Tell me

[LindaR]

Sounds like the man needs a girl friend..... from the view of those photos those are the result of weathering not squirrel damage. If "rodents" are his issues than perhaps he needs a trap!! if you could contact a contractor who would oblige seeing the photos or coming and taking a look at the window seals he could clearly verify that the damage is not relative to the squirrel accusation. And perhaps you could offer the creeper a bottle of Midol or a few dating site links he may come in to work "happy" ;) hehehehehehe:grin2:grin3:thumbsup:sanp3

[MollyBear361]

:rotfl

[Nickel63]

:thankyou Everyone for your support! Nutz and I are laying low for awhile until this blows over. It looks like it might do just that if I can avoid provoking the jackass. :devil The hardest part is convincing Nutz that she can't come in anymore as that would probably be a legitimate complaint.

LindaR you cracked me up! :rolf The sad thing is no respectable woman would be caught with this guy. Yeah, he's a real prize. :troll

In the meantime, here is a little photo of Nutz from yesterday that shows how "destructive" she is:
:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon
211982

[kastillo]

Oh my! she's precious! What a special thing you two have.

[farrelli]

Maybe she can come in after 3:00 when they leave? They often understand schedules.

[TubeDriver]

:thankyou Everyone for your support! Nutz and I are laying low for awhile until this blows over. It looks like it might do just that if I can avoid provoking the jackass. :devil The hardest part is convincing Nutz that she can't come in anymore as that would probably be a legitimate complaint.

LindaR you cracked me up! :rolf The sad thing is no respectable woman would be caught with this guy. Yeah, he's a real prize. :troll

In the meantime, here is a little photo of Nutz from yesterday that shows how "destructive" she is:
:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon:Love_Icon
211982

If there is no reasoning with this person then lying low and hoping he has a short attention span (matching his low IQ) might be the way to do this. Have all your co-workers on the same page (ie we have not seen the squirrel, it stopped coming by etc) if anyone asks.

Keep an eye out on the ground near your window. This thug sound like the type who may leave poisoned traps for your squirrel.

I hope this works out for you, you have a wonderful and rare bond with your squirrel friend.


Jeez, this type of stuff pisses me off.

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o291/TubeDriver/Idontwanttoliveonthisplanetanymore_zps2259f9ba.png (http://s123.photobucket.com/user/TubeDriver/media/Idontwanttoliveonthisplanetanymore_zps2259f9ba.png .html)

[solarx10]

This is the kind of thing that makes me so angry.
The sill to me, displays no squirrel damage but rather just normal wear. It's unfortunate that there are so many people that view squirrels as pests and problem rodents.

There is no reasoning with people with that kind of mental underdevelopment.

As TuberDriver, keep a lookout for poison, traps etc and lay low for a while.

[Pointy Tale]

Nickel63: Hi, Bake him some cookies. Go to him and say you’re sorry you got off on the wrong foot, but that Nutz was abandoned by HER Mom when she was young and you felt bad. You’d really appreciate it IF he’d just let you hand her. Be sincere. IF he agrees, then make sure to bring him an extra coffee, a donut or some other kind of baked good, or veggies from your homegrown garden as a sign of good faith, appreciation and to thank him for his generosity. ALSO, I just saw the window sills, doubtful they’re from the squirrels, probably just old, BUT, can you and/or a friend over the weekend fix them by sanding and new paint also. :)

OH and Nutz is ADORABLE.

[Starfish]

Be careful about doing any work without permission; even an improvement can be considered vandalism.

But the sweet way is the good way (just don't brown-nose). Just stay generally kind and calm. If it (kind and cslm) doesn't work with him; it might with his bosses. Essentially show that you are rational and kind and they'll understand that he is not. I stick with taking dated pictures + positive posters. Also, document your interactions (dates, times, who was there, what was done/said).

[Garden71]

How is it going with the maintenance :censored :pissed

[Nickel63]

:wave123 Kastillo, Farrelli, TubeDriver, Solarx10, Pointy Tale, Starfish, and Garden71! :wave123

Well, all's quiet so far at the sill. Nutz and I have been laying low and so far, so good. I really think this is the best course of action. The maintenance guy is scarce for the most part and if I sense him coming I close the window and all that's out on the sill is the water dish and whatever little food is left. I hide everything else just in case. :hidechair It bugs the @#$% out of me that I can't let her inside anymore. She was so happy as was I but if they ever catch her doing that it will cause too many problems. I'm just happy she comes around and lets me pet her. As for the idea of giving anything to the jackass, it won't work. He is really a neanderthal. :carzy2 I don't want to jinx anything but we may be in the clear for now.

Thanks for caring everyone...it really makes a difference having all the support. :grouphug

[farrelli]

Are you going to start letting her in at some point? How do you handle the winter anyhow? Open it when she shows up?

[California Squirrel Lover]

I don't get it, what damage?! I see a little normal wear and tear, little chips in the paint, etc. WOW, COO COO!!! By his anger, I expected to see the building being torn apart, LOL! I don't like bullies!! :soapbox When I've come across some extremely odd people like that, I've found it can be difficult to calm them down and reason with them, but I hope I'm wrong in this case. I hope this situation calms down and his attention is diverted elsewhere. I also really hope your manager intervenes and helps calm things down. I hate the thought of this guy doing something like putting death traps or poison out or something awful like that. Look at that photo of Nutz, she's wonderful!! I ADORE Nutz!! If things get really bad, I'm sure there are some of us who will march on down there, I'm just right here in the SF area!! :grouphug (Shhhhh, I'd still let her come in!! I could never say no to that sweet face, and she's so well behaved!!)

[Nickel63]

Are you going to start letting her in at some point? How do you handle the winter anyhow? Open it when she shows up?


(Shhhhh, I'd still let her come in!! I could never say no to that sweet face, and she's so well behaved!!)

Actually....hehe....I started letting her back in a couple of days ago when I've been sure it was safe. We are both much happier that way. :Love_Icon Farrelli, I live in Southern California so winter isn't really a big problem. But yes, on those particularly "wintery" days when it gets below...70... I open the window when she shows up. Ok, ok, I'm exaggerating, when it gets below 68. :grin3 When it actually rains here I have to really work to keep her out otherwise I get muddy paw prints all over my desk and papers. :raining She also doesn't like to be pet when she's wet....can't say I blame her.

Yesterday was a really good day for Nutz and me. As Tuesdays and Thursdays are the days the jackass' minion comes to empty garbage cans I have to be super careful until he's done and out of site. Basically, I just leave the window closed and shades pulled so Nutz isn't attracted to come. :hidechair It worked really well yesterday and she didn't come until about 3 when it was really safe and we could relax. My coworker came in at that time and saw us interacting and proclaimed, "How can anyone not like her?" Nutz is really a sweetheart and, yes CSL, she is really well behaved. :innocent Ignorant people are just so.......ignorant! :bash

[CritterMom]

I hate to even say this but expecting the absolute worst out of people is probably the safest thing to do, especially when you already have verifiable proof that they are, well, you know. Is it feasible for you to do a quick walk around the grounds periodically to make sure he hasn't set out any poison baits that should be shoved forcefully down his throat - oops, land sakes, did I say that out loud? What I meant to say of course was poison baits that need to be safely disposed of. Cowardly, worthless wastes of space and oxygen love poison because they don't have to put any skin in the game. Just sayin.'

[TubeDriver]

I hate to even say this but expecting the absolute worst out of people is probably the safest thing to do, especially when you already have verifiable proof that they are, well, you know. Is it feasible for you to do a quick walk around the grounds periodically to make sure he hasn't set out any poison baits that should be shoved forcefully down his throat - oops, land sakes, did I say that out loud? What I meant to say of course was poison baits that need to be safely disposed of. Cowardly, worthless wastes of space and oxygen love poison because they don't have to put any skin in the game. Just sayin.'

^^^^^^^I agree with this post! :goodpost


Look for bait or bait stations (little shoebox sized black boxes with a hole/entrance). Any other type of trap. Along walls on the ground and also near trees or hidden in bushes.

[Nickel63]

Look for bait or bait stations (little shoebox sized black boxes with a hole/entrance). Any other type of trap. Along walls on the ground and also near trees or hidden in bushes.

Crittermom and TubeDriver, are you talking about those black boxes usually put out to get rats? Cuz those are always around. As a matter of fact, there's been one near my window ever since we moved to this building 4 years ago. To be honest, I don't think the rats even go near them. The squirrels don't even pay attention to those. Or are there different ones you are talking about?

[TubeDriver]

Crittermom and TubeDriver, are you talking about those black boxes usually put out to get rats? Cuz those are always around. As a matter of fact, there's been one near my window ever since we moved to this building 4 years ago. To be honest, I don't think the rats even go near them. The squirrels don't even pay attention to those. Or are there different ones you are talking about?


They contain poison bait that can kill a squirrel.

Here is what you can do. If you go online, you can purchase a bottle of fox pee. A company called The Pee Mart sells this for hunter and gardeners. Splash some Fox urine into the trap and that should help to keep out a curious squirrel.

[Nickel63]

They contain poison bait that can kill a squirrel.

Here is what you can do. If you go online, you can purchase a bottle of fox pee. A company called The Pee Mart sells this for hunter and gardeners. Splash some Fox urine into the trap and that should help to keep out a curious squirrel.

:thankyou Tubedriver! I will look into that.

[California Squirrel Lover]

YAY!! I'm glad to hear you've been able to let her back inside at times!! Oh she cracks me up, just the sweetest girl, you are so fortunate to have her in your life. She knows you and trusts you so much, it just amazes me. I love those pics of her just hanging out on the window sill, you know, the ones where she looks like a total terror, who must be tearing that whole building apart, LOL!! :Love_Icon Nutz :Love_Icon

(Yes, I like that idea of putting some fox urine on any possible traps, and making sure there's been no poison put out around the building :thumbsup)

[Curliesmom]

I'm sorry some idiot has been giving you trouble. A squirrel can't help who they bond with. And yes it more than just the food you feed her. She wouldn't let you pet her if she didn't love you. And they only pancake if they're relaxed and calm. Those window sills aren't squirrel damage. I know squirrel damage. My two year old male chewed a 2x4 piece of wood in half. Good luck with nutz.

PS : she has nipples showing. She's a mommy.

[Nickel63]

Ok, new problem. It looks like we have fleas in my office. How frustrating! :frustratedx And, of course, I am one of those people that has a bad reaction to the bites. Also, of course, I can't say anything to our wonderful maintenance guy for obvious reasons. So, is there something I can apply to Nutz to help curtail the fleas? She lets me pet her but there is no way I can/will pick her up. I will have a special, non-toxic powder to place at the baseboards next week but I still need to address Nutz. Until then, the window stays closed :Cry Still put out food and water though. Suggestions?

[Starfish]

Ok, new problem. It looks like we have fleas in my office. How frustrating! :frustratedx And, of course, I am one of those people that has a bad reaction to the bites. Also, of course, I can't say anything to our wonderful maintenance guy for obvious reasons. So, is there something I can apply to Nutz to help curtail the fleas? She lets me pet her but there is no way I can/will pick her up. I will have a special, non-toxic powder to place at the baseboards next week but I still need to address Nutz. Until then, the window stays closed :Cry Still put out food and water though. Suggestions?

A drop (ok, I would say 2 to be sure but I sense I'm going to hear about it) of Revolution behind the neck and your buddy will be covered for a month from possible issues. Some people use Ivermectin but you;ll have to apply once a week for 3 weeks.

As for the room, how often does the cleaning guy go by?

Bascially clean down the floors with Daw soap. Then with 50/50 mix of vinegar and water.

Then, if he doesn't go by often. Poor salt around baseboards (use the kechup/mustard style bottles from the dollar store... pointy tip); leave for 3 days. Then vaccuum up and reapply. The idea is to dehydrate any larva coming from the baseboards.

But that last one is more difficult to do without getting caught

[SammysMom]

Revolution is definitely the way to go. A drop or two will take care of it!:thumbsup

[Nickel63]

THANK YOU Starfish and SammysMom! :bow Revolution it is. I should get the kitten version, right? It looks like I can order this online otherwise I need a prescription. Is that right? I don't have any pets (other than Nutz :grin3) so I don't have anything on hand.

Starfish, I actually had a service called FleaBusters at my house yesterday because I thought that's where the fleas were originally. They use a salt based non-toxic powder that does exactly what you described. They gave me some extra powder for my car that I'm going to use in the office as well. I just can't wait for the fleas to be gone, they really love to bite me.:hurt

[TubeDriver]

THANK YOU Starfish and SammysMom! :bow Revolution it is. I should get the kitten version, right? It looks like I can order this online otherwise I need a prescription. Is that right? I don't have any pets (other than Nutz :grin3) so I don't have anything on hand.

Starfish, I actually had a service called FleaBusters at my house yesterday because I thought that's where the fleas were originally. They use a salt based non-toxic powder that does exactly what you described. They gave me some extra powder for my car that I'm going to use in the office as well. I just can't wait for the fleas to be gone, they really love to bite me.:hurt


My guess is that the fleas are from the maintanance jerk! ;)

[Starfish]

My guess is that the fleas are from the maintanance jerk! ;)

hmmmmmmmmmmmm

[Starfish]

Ok, so if you don't want to get caught about the salt.... come up with a good religious.... wiccan?.... story to give..... you had nightmares and need to ward off bad spirits for a week ??.... (really you should be doing three rounds of three days of salt)

or more positive.... it's some sort of good luck thing in some far off custom.... (positive story might be better received)

[Nickel63]

:rofl4 Tubedriver and Starfish. Can't say that thought hasn't crossed my mind too.

I have the powder I need to take care of the office but, without a prescription, how do I get Revolution? I would really like to do this both for Nutz and me! I've talked to a couple of friends with dogs but they don't use that brand. How do I get my hands on it?:dono

[CritterMom]

:rofl4 Tubedriver and Starfish. Can't say that thought hasn't crossed my mind too.

I have the powder I need to take care of the office but, without a prescription, how do I get Revolution? I would really like to do this both for Nutz and me! I've talked to a couple of friends with dogs but they don't use that brand. How do I get my hands on it?:dono

Buy it from www.joespetmeds.com -

http://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-control/revolution-cats-dogs.htm

Get the kitten type. I buy from this place - they are fast and no script needed - and it is the real deal - exact packaging, etc. :thumbsup

[Starfish]

Buy it from www.joespetmeds.com -

http://www.joespetmeds.com/flea-control/revolution-cats-dogs.htm

Get the kitten type. I buy from this place - they are fast and no script needed - and it is the real deal - exact packaging, etc. :thumbsup

I looked up Joe's pet meds in the past and I read some reviews from people who claimed the Revolution they received was fake. I don't know.

However, it has good reviews from people on TSB. I would just hate to be the person who gets the dummy tube.

I recommend using http://www.1800petmeds.com/ Be sure to enter coupon code FIVEOFF for $5 off.

[SammysMom]

If you go to a local vet and tell them that you want it for some stray cats you might get them to sell it to you. Just say that you can't catch it, but will drop it on them as they eat the food you feed them.