I have a big problem with Midge

[Carol Lynn]

Hi everyone,

I am very sorry to report that I have a huge problem with Midge, and I'm hoping someone can give me some advice. I really don't know what to do with her anymore.

I was sick and recovering from pneumonia for nearly two months, and right on the heels of that I went away for a couple of weeks. Midge was a bit neglected while I was sick, and she started getting more and more bold. When I went away it seems like it freaked her out, and she started trying to get into the house by chewing holes through all of the screens. We don't have air conditioning, and so we depend on having our windows open. She began by chewing a bunch of holes through the screen on the sliding doors, even though I had been making sure to feed her only out in the backyard. I was taping the holes up at first, but she cuts the screen so quickly - and I have cats in the house!! - that I had to start keeping the sliding doors closed. Now she's going around to other windows. This morning she was at my front windows, and later on she moved to the side of the house. It may sound funny, but it's really getting to be a huge problem. I can't even keep replacing the screens because they'll just be destroyed again as soon as we hang them. I don't know what to do with her. I feel so bad about being mean to her, but I've tried spraying her with water, yelling, flicking the screen, etc., but nothing seems to deter her. She is determined to be in the house. The weird thing is that she does it even when she isn't hungry. I put a big bowl of food out there for her this morning, but she kept at it with the screens anyway. I don't know what to do about her. It's getting to be like a Hitchcock movie. :sadness.

Any suggestions?? I would greatly appreciate the help.

[Bravo]

Hopefully others here have more specific suggestions. All I can do is confirm what you already know. Midge is trying to tell you something- at first glance it's that she wants to come inside.

However it may not just be food-related, it may also be a connection to you as well. I don't know the history between you two, however I do know that squirrels are highly independent and I would almost bet that this is a phase that she will grow out of. Meantime, perhaps she's trying to tell you something the only way she knows how. She certainly seems determined, whatever the case.

You've mentioned cats in the house and I don't have any brilliant answers. Is there some compromise that may work, even if only for the short term? Is she concentrating on a particular area that could be cat-free for a time... if you can see this as her literally trying to reach you, you may find that once she gets what she wants, it may only be a stage in her growing and wilding up.

Meantime I'm sure it's frustrating, deep breaths...

[HRT4SQRLS]

I'm so glad to see you post Carol Lynn. I've been worried about you. I know that you were sick and was having a difficult time getting over it. I'm SO glad you're better.

Good grief, that IS a problem. :shakehead If I remember right Midge is an outside, wild squirrel that's become friendly. ??? I was going to suggest a spray bottle of water through the window but it sounds like you tried that already. I'm at a loss.

Here's a crazy idea. I have NO idea if it will work. Let's see what others think of this CRAZY idea. Get some of the large bubble wrap and cut a rectangle that will fit the window sill outside. Get some cheap double sided sticky tape and put a strip on each end of the sill. Attach the bubble wrap.(Maybe even several layers) Just MAYBE, when she jumps on the sill the movement under her feet will scare her away OR she might just spoing onto the screen. :dono If that doesn't work maybe some scrunched up material that makes a loud crinkly sound when jumped on. I would try one window to see if I could hit on a combo that she wants to avoid.

I also though of laying a mothball on the window sill but I DETEST those things. With the windows open, you would surely die from the stench. :klunk I can't image people that put those things in their closets. I would rather have the moths than that smell. :rotfl

I know dogs hate the sound of coins in a can. Some people use that as a deterrent for their dog. I guess you could try shaking a can w/ coins loudly when you catch her on the window.

Like you I would hate to be mean to her BUT this is a behavior that would 100% have to stop at my house. I just replaced my windows to the tune of almost $9000 so NO, I wouldn't tolerate that.

[Bravo]

:yeahthat

[Carol Lynn]

Hopefully others here have more specific suggestions. All I can do is confirm what you already know. Midge is trying to tell you something- at first glance it's that she wants to come inside.

However it may not just be food-related, it may also be a connection to you as well. I don't know the history between you two, however I do know that squirrels are highly independent and I would almost bet that this is a phase that she will grow out of. Meantime, perhaps she's trying to tell you something the only way she knows how. She certainly seems determined, whatever the case.

You've mentioned cats in the house and I don't have any brilliant answers. Is there some compromise that may work, even if only for the short term? Is she concentrating on a particular area that could be cat-free for a time... if you can see this as her literally trying to reach you, you may find that once she gets what she wants, it may only be a stage in her growing and wilding up.

Meantime I'm sure it's frustrating, deep breaths...

Thank you, Bravo. Yes, she is VERY determined, and I agree - it's almost as though she wants to tell me something. I can't help but think it was because I was sick for so long and couldn't go outside with her all the time the way I used to. Then, right after that, I had to go away for a couple of weeks, and she probably didn't understand that, either. I don't know - Im probably anthropomorphizing here, but i don't know what else to make of it. It's really a problem now, though, and I know my husband is going to get fed up with all of this destruction very soon. He's been pretty good about it so far, but I feel it bubbling under the surface. It's hot in here with all the windows closed, too. :(

And to answer your question, yes, it was originally just the sliders to the deck, but as I said earlier, now she's going around to all of the other first floor windows!! She just had babies a couple of months ago, but they seem to be grown and out of the nest. She shouldn't be wilding up, either, because she's actually a wild, believe it or not!! I really don't know what's going on inside that head of hers.

[Carol Lynn]

I'm so glad to see you post Carol Lynn. I've been worried about you. I know that you were sick and was having a difficult time getting over it. I'm SO glad you're better.

Good grief, that IS a problem. :shakehead If I remember right Midge is an outside, wild squirrel that's become friendly. ??? I was going to suggest a spray bottle of water through the window but it sounds like you tried that already. I'm at a loss.

Here's a crazy idea. I have NO idea if it will work. Let's see what others think of this CRAZY idea. Get some of the large bubble wrap and cut a rectangle that will fit the window sill outside. Get some cheap double sided sticky tape and put a strip on each end of the sill. Attach the bubble wrap.(Maybe even several layers) Just MAYBE, when she jumps on the sill the movement under her feet will scare her away OR she might just spoing onto the screen. :dono If that doesn't work maybe some scrunched up material that makes a loud crinkly sound when jumped on. I would try one window to see if I could hit on a combo that she wants to avoid.

I also though of laying a mothball on the window sill but I DETEST those things. With the windows open, you would surely die from the stench. :klunk I can't image people that put those things in their closets. I would rather have the moths than that smell. :rotfl

I know dogs hate the sound of coins in a can. Some people use that as a deterrent for their dog. I guess you could try shaking a can w/ coins loudly when you catch her on the window.

Like you I would hate to be mean to her BUT this is a behavior that would 100% have to stop at my house. I just replaced my windows to the tune of almost $9000 so NO, I wouldn't tolerate that.

Thanks so much, HRT4SQRS, for your kind words and concern. I know I've been away from the board for a while. I just felt so bad for soooo long - I still have the cough every morning, but it's finally starting to get a bit better. My trip had been planned for over a year, and I wasn't getting any better, so I ended up going to the doctor again and getting more antibiotics and a bunch of other prescriptions (steroids, antihistamines, nasal sprays, etc.) I was really beginning to think it might be something more serious because it just wouldn't ease up at all.

Thank you for the suggestions - I will look into getting a roll of bubble wrap - I think they sell it at Staples. I wonder if it will work? I haven't tried the coin can yet, but that's another good idea. Maybe I should try that first since it would be any easy fix if it works. I have tried spraying her, screaming at her, flicking her, blowing in her face, but nothing seems to deter her. It makes me feel so bad, too, because she just looks so shocked. It's weird, too - it's as if she's always RIGHT THERE if I go out of the house - front or back. Like she's waiting for me or something. Very weird. I just don't know what she wants. I put a whole bunch of stuff outside for her this morning - blocks, seeds, a nut - and she just wanted to keep going at the screen. I can't help but wonder if this is all my fault somehow. :(

[lennysmom]

Oh Carol Lynn, you cannot blame yourself for the behavior of a wild animal, even if she has become friendly with you. I'm sure the change in the routine and you leaving for a period of time was confusing to her and I too feel like that is the reason for her strange behavior.
As much as you like feeding her at your house, I think for the time being it would be wise to leave food and treats just a little ways away from the house, so that she stops associating your windows and doors with food. Perhaps when you notice her at the window you could go outside in a designated spot to call her and start feeding her exclusively there. It may take a few days for her to get used to this new routine, but when she realizes that is the only place that you choose to have contact with her and feed her, perhaps she will adjust and stop trying to chew through the windows.

I'm so sorry to hear you have been ill for so long. I have been missing you and your wonderful pics on TSB and I'm glad you are feeling better.:hug
I hope your problems with Midge's behavior improve soon.:grouphug

[Daisey007]

It's very unusual for a wild squirrel to behave like that. I feel that you must stop feeding her. Because they need a calcium rich diet that's low in phosphorus, the chances are that you're feeding her something that she doesn't need in her diet anyway just to interact with her. So, my suggestion would be if you must feed her - feed her only nutritious foods. No nuts or seeds. That would reduce her desire to come to you for food. And let's face it, that's why most of them let us into their world to begin with... seed and nuts.

In the mean time, go outside to visit her several times a day 'without food' just to let her know that you're back home now. She may keep trying a day or two but it will end when she learns the gravy train has left the station.

[Carol Lynn]

Oh Carol Lynn, you cannot blame yourself for the behavior of a wild animal, even if she has become friendly with you. I'm sure the change in the routine and you leaving for a period of time was confusing to her and I too feel like that is the reason for her strange behavior.
As much as you like feeding her at your house, I think for the time being it would be wise to leave food and treats just a little ways away from the house, so that she stops associating your windows and doors with food. Perhaps when you notice her at the window you could go outside in a designated spot to call her and start feeding her exclusively there. It may take a few days for her to get used to this new routine, but when she realizes that is the only place that you choose to have contact with her and feed her, perhaps she will adjust and stop trying to chew through the windows.

I'm so sorry to hear you have been ill for so long. I have been missing you and your wonderful pics on TSB and I'm glad you are feeling better.:hug
I hope your problems with Midge's behavior improve soon.:grouphug

Thanks so much, Lenny's Mom. I appreciate the advice and kind words. You may recall that I had a home invasion with Midge about a year ago, but since then I've made sure not to toss food to her from the door. I always go outside to give it to her, and although she always climbs on the screens, there hadn't been a problem since then. This new behavior really surprised (and disappointed!) me. I think you're right - I need to give it to her farther away from the house. Since she started chewing holes through the screens, I've been putting her food in a bowl farther out in the backyard. I wanted to move it even farther out, but I was afraid to bring it too close to the property line because I don't want her to start bothering the neighbors.

I will try to do what you said and let you know how it goes. I feel so guilty about chasing her and avoiding her, but I just don't know what else to do. I haven't taken any pictures of her recently because I've been trying to discourage her from coming near the house. I guess I really should start trying to spend more time with her farther out in the backyard and see if that makes a difference. In any case, I will keep you posted. Thanks so much again!!

[Carol Lynn]

It's very unusual for a wild squirrel to behave like that. I feel that you must stop feeding her. Because they need a calcium rich diet that's low in phosphorus, the chances are that you're feeding her something that she doesn't need in her diet anyway just to interact with her. So, my suggestion would be if you must feed her - feed her only nutritious foods. No nuts or seeds. That would reduce her desire to come to you for food. And let's face it, that's why most of them let us into their world to begin with... seed and nuts.

In the mean time, go outside to visit her several times a day 'without food' just to let her know that you're back home now. She may keep trying a day or two but it will end when she learns the gravy train has left the station.

Hello Daisey,

Thank you for your suggestions. I just wanted to clarify that Midge actually eats a very healthy diet. She had babies a couple of months ago, and I had been feeding her almost all blocks and veggies with the occasional piece of fruit or nut. The only reason I even gave her any seeds the other day was to try to keep her away from the house. I was hoping she would eat and then go away. But you think I should cut her off from food completely?

[stepnstone]

It almost sounds cruel but I wonder if you trapped her for a few days, feed but don't interact and allow
her to get anxious to get out and then cut her loose again if she'd take off and stop wanting back in??

[pappy1264]

Was thinking the same thing, Step.

[TubeDriver]

I would start to only feed her away from your house. Make up a little feeding station at least 15' away from your house, put water and treats on it. Don't feed her when she is closer.

You could try something HOT like a habenaro pepper, grind up with food purifier and then apply to screens and along windows. Use gloves and for gods sake, do not touch your eyes/face when you are doing this.

[astra]

I would start to only feed her away from your house. Make up a little feeding station at least 15' away from your house, put water and treats on it. Don't feed her when she is closer.
could work

You could try something HOT like a habenaro pepper, grind up with food purifier and then apply to screens and along windows. Use gloves and for gods sake, do not touch your eyes/face when you are doing this.
:peace but not sure about hot pepper - I remember reading that it can cause permanent eyesight damage (even human eyes can be permanently damaged with a lot of pepper, but since their eyes are tiny compared to the human ones, they don't even need as much pepper to cause damage). So, maybe it's best to try other suggested things: like feeding away from the house, or what stepnstone suggested above...

[astra]

PS and there is nothing wrong with feeding nuts, particularly good tree nuts, to wild squirrels. Their diet is fine with all the wild foods they eat, and whatever nuts they get from humans are a dessert, not the foundation of their diet. Aside from cal: phos ratio, which is taken care of by their wild natural foods, nuts are very nutritious.
So, nuts to wilds - are fine (just don't feed them on the clock around the clock at all times).

[lennysmom]

I would start to only feed her away from your house. Make up a little feeding station at least 15' away from your house, put water and treats on it. Don't feed her when she is closer.

This is exactly what I was thinking too TD. :thumbsup

[Carol Lynn]

It almost sounds cruel but I wonder if you trapped her for a few days, feed but don't interact and allow
her to get anxious to get out and then cut her loose again if she'd take off and stop wanting back in??

It's funny that you and Pappy both had this idea because the same thing crossed my mind!! Yesterday I tried the outside feeding plan that Lenny's Mom and TD suggested, though - as soon as I saw her on the screens, I took a bowl of food out to her and sat out back with her. Funny thing was that she normally eats right there beside me, but this time she took the block and ran up into the tree. I felt sad about it because it was as if she doesn't quite trust me anymore now that I'm always yelling at her and spraying her with water. :( Animals never make the association, do they? They just think that mom's suddenly turned into psycho b*&^ch. Things were okay yesterday, but I wonder what would have happened if I hadn't been around when she appeared at the screen??

I also noticed that she seems to have moved out of her pine tree and into the house in the tree right behind my house. I'm happy about that because I always felt she was way too close to the road for comfort.

[Carol Lynn]

I would start to only feed her away from your house. Make up a little feeding station at least 15' away from your house, put water and treats on it. Don't feed her when she is closer.

You could try something HOT like a habenaro pepper, grind up with food purifier and then apply to screens and along windows. Use gloves and for gods sake, do not touch your eyes/face when you are doing this.

Thanks for the suggestions, TD. It's funny, though, your post reminded me of an incident I hadn't thought of in years. When I was a kid, we had a beagle pup that chewed on all things wooden in our house. My parents were getting very frustrated with her, and someone suggested smearing Tabasco all over the furniture legs to try to get her to stop. My mom covered everything in Tabasco, which the silly dog actually LIKED!! I remember she went around licking it off of everything before getting down to business and actually devouring the furniture legs! It became a family joke for many years!

Just to be clear - I am in no way suggesting that this might happen with a squirrel!! I know that dogs eat just about anything!! It just reminded me of that crazy pup!! :)

[lennysmom]

Thanks for the suggestions, TD. It's funny, though, your post reminded me of an incident I hadn't thought of in years. When I was a kid, we had a beagle pup that chewed on all things wooden in our house. My parents were getting very frustrated with her, and someone suggested smearing Tabasco all over the furniture legs to try to get her to stop. My mom covered everything in Tabasco, which the silly dog actually LIKED!! I remember she went around licking it off of everything before getting down to business and actually devouring the furniture legs! It became a family joke for many years!

Just to be clear - I am in no way suggesting that this might happen with a squirrel!! I know that dogs eat just about anything!! It just reminded me of that crazy pup!! :)

Don't be too sure... I read somewhere that bitter apple spray that is made to help stop puppies from chewing on furniture worked to stop someone's squirrel from chewing on things so I tried it - well, let's just say Angel must really like the taste of it because he chews it more!:shakehead It backfired on me too since his mama likes to give him kissies on the head and I soon discovered that I do not like the taste of bitter apple!:facepalm

[Carol Lynn]

Don't be too sure... I read somewhere that bitter apple spray that is made to help stop puppies from chewing on furniture worked to stop someone's squirrel from chewing on things so I tried it - well, let's just say Angel must really like the taste of it because he chews it more!:shakehead It backfired on me too since his mama likes to give him kissies on the head and I soon discovered that I do not like the taste of bitter apple!:facepalm

The best laid plans of [squirrels] and men, right?? :)

Midge was actually just at my screens again. I closed the sliders and she finally went away. I'm now wondering if this persistence could possibly be a territorial thing due to the number of new squirrels in the yard?? Several mamas have had babies, and we have many more than we had earlier in the year. Could this be a possibility??

[DarkLies212]

Don't be too sure... I read somewhere that bitter apple spray that is made to help stop puppies from chewing on furniture worked to stop someone's squirrel from chewing on things so I tried it - well, let's just say Angel must really like the taste of it because he chews it more!:shakehead It backfired on me too since his mama likes to give him kissies on the head and I soon discovered that I do not like the taste of bitter apple!:facepalm

:rolf I can just picture you with that nasty stuff on your tongue



I wonder if Midge is pregnant? Acting odd, moving nests, hiding...? I'm not familiar with her story, so I could be very off :hidechair

[Carol Lynn]

Midge had babies recently but shows no signs of being pregnant now. If she is, she must be in the very, very early stages. Oh - and thank you for reminding me - I forgot to mention that she was back to her old self this morning and sat right next to me and ate her blocks. She took the second one to bury it, though, so I cut her off there. After that she was back at the screens. :(


:rolf I can just picture you with that nasty stuff on your tongue



I wonder if Midge is pregnant? Acting odd, moving nests, hiding...? I'm not familiar with her story, so I could be very off :hidechair

[lennysmom]

The best laid plans of [squirrels] and men, right?? :)

Midge was actually just at my screens again. I closed the sliders and she finally went away. I'm now wondering if this persistence could possibly be a territorial thing due to the number of new squirrels in the yard?? Several mamas have had babies, and we have many more than we had earlier in the year. Could this be a possibility??

Hmm.. you know it very well could be part of it. Squirrels are very territorial and I have seen Lenny's personality change when there were a lot of squirrels in the area - he was more on edge and demanding from me, almost like he thought if he didn't get his treats fast enough, I was going to give them to another squirrel. I actually had to quit feeding any other animal in his presence for awhile.

As far as the new routine, I would stick to only feeding Midge at your designated place in the yard - it takes awhile for animals to adjust to and develop new habits. She will eventfully figure out that the only place she gets food from you is in that spot and hopefully she will quit chewing on the windows altogether.

[TubeDriver]

My squirrels all climb up my deck door and peer in. They do this all day long. They will stare at us through the windows until we look over at them at which point the squirrel will climb down because he/she knows we are coming out with treats.


However, when I lower/close the blinds, it means we are not home and the squirrels will not do nearly as much climbing. I have made it a point to never open the door to feed them when the blinds are down. Blinds down is the signal that means = NO treats. This pretty much has worked well except for one incredibly persistent squirrel who figured out that we also have a window up on the wall with a ledge, he hopped up there and looked in and chewed the window sill pretty badly. I did put pepper juice and that seemed to cut out interest in chewing up my windows.

Squirrels are smart and learn patterns but they are also VERY stubborn.:tap



Midge had babies recently but shows no signs of being pregnant now. If she is, she must be in the very, very early stages. Oh - and thank you for reminding me - I forgot to mention that she was back to her old self this morning and sat right next to me and ate her blocks. She took the second one to bury it, though, so I cut her off there. After that she was back at the screens. :(

[TubeDriver]

It sounds like Midge has claimed you as HER human pet! :grin2

[DaSquirrelMom]

It sounds like Midge has claimed you as HER human pet! :grin2

Funny idea! Midge is a human rehabber. Midge thinks Carol is in a cage and is trying to release her by opening the screens. :grin2

[Spanky]

Funny idea! Midge is a human rehabber. Midge thinks Carol is in a cage and is trying to release her by opening the screens. :grin2

:yeahthat:laugh2:rotfl

[Carol Lynn]

Hmm.. you know it very well could be part of it. Squirrels are very territorial and I have seen Lenny's personality change when there were a lot of squirrels in the area - he was more on edge and demanding from me, almost like he thought if he didn't get his treats fast enough, I was going to give them to another squirrel. I actually had to quit feeding any other animal in his presence for awhile.

As far as the new routine, I would stick to only feeding Midge at your designated place in the yard - it takes awhile for animals to adjust to and develop new habits. She will eventfully figure out that the only place she gets food from you is in that spot and hopefully she will quit chewing on the windows altogether.

Yes, I also noticed when I was out there with Midge yesterday that she started to growl a bit whenever another squirrel would get too close while she was eating her block. I got the feeling that all of the extra competition might be annoying her a bit. Perhaps I should also refrain from tossing blocks to others when she is around. Don't want her to feel betrayed in any way.

Unfortunately, I had to leave the house early this morning and didn't get back until just a few minutes ago, so I didn't see her at all today. :( I have to be out tomorrow, too, but hope to get home earlier. I hate when I don't get to see her at all. Anyway, no new holes in the screens today! :thumbsup

[Carol Lynn]

My squirrels all climb up my deck door and peer in. They do this all day long. They will stare at us through the windows until we look over at them at which point the squirrel will climb down because he/she knows we are coming out with treats.


However, when I lower/close the blinds, it means we are not home and the squirrels will not do nearly as much climbing. I have made it a point to never open the door to feed them when the blinds are down. Blinds down is the signal that means = NO treats. This pretty much has worked well except for one incredibly persistent squirrel who figured out that we also have a window up on the wall with a ledge, he hopped up there and looked in and chewed the window sill pretty badly. I did put pepper juice and that seemed to cut out interest in chewing up my windows.

Squirrels are smart and learn patterns but they are also VERY stubborn.:tap

That seems to be a good system you have there with the blinds. I would try that in my kitchen except that it would totally cut off my source of daylight. It's bad enough that we're not getting any air circulation with the sliders closed all the time!! And we don't have air conditioning, either!! :shine:shineHope we can resolve this sooner rather than later! :grin2

It's funny that you mentioned the chewed window sill. I noticed yesterday that my deck steps are now all chewed up. They never were before! That Midge is certainly trying to make a statement!! I agree with you - VERY STUBBORN!!

[Carol Lynn]

Funny idea! Midge is a human rehabber. Midge thinks Carol is in a cage and is trying to release her by opening the screens. :grin2

Yes, you're both right - I'm Midge's pet. She sees through the windows that I'm stuck in the house with these horrible creatures (i.e. "cats") and is just trying to help me break out!!
:injail

[Lighten-Up]

Yes, I also noticed when I was out there with Midge yesterday that she started to growl a bit whenever another squirrel would get too close while she was eating her block. I got the feeling that all of the extra competition might be annoying her a bit. Perhaps I should also refrain from tossing blocks to others when she is around. Don't want her to feel betrayed in any way.


I would like to know how others handle this. I know many of you feed a lot that come to your door, do they all get along? And have you done anything to make that work out?

My Wild Mom will get fidgety and growl when any other squirrel comes around when she is getting her nuts on the back deck. She will downright chase them off the deck! Once, I just stepped outside, instantly, there was a squirrel fight 30 feet in a tree above my head, a squirrel chased another right out of the tree! I thought, was this because I just walked outside??? It happened the instant I walked outside. So I watched, the chaser immediately made a bee-line for my back door, it was Wild-Mom. Oh good heavens! Was that necessary? I have reason to think she was watching for me, saw me, and wanted all the nuts for herself.

I like all the squirrels, there are 4 others that take nuts from my hand too now, I can’t give my only preference to Wild Mom. I have decided to tell Wild Mom that she will always be my number-one wild girl, the first one who befriended me; and that she has a very very special place in my heart and always will. But that I will also love and feed all the others too. I hope to be able to convey to her that she will be secure in knowing that I will always have nuts for her, and that feeding the others will not infringe on her. So I am working out how to keep harmony in the backyard, and show that everyone is cared for. For right now, the others come to me when Wild Mom is not around. That seems to work for now.

I will soon be releasing my two release girls, and they will be my number one release girls, so everyone is going to have to learn to get along together, all loved, all valued, all chosen... All thoughts are welcome.

[PennyCash]

That seems to be a good system you have there with the blinds. I would try that in my kitchen except that it would totally cut off my source of daylight. It's bad enough that we're not getting any air circulation with the sliders closed all the time!! And we don't have air conditioning, either!! :shine:shineHope we can resolve this sooner rather than later! :grin2

It's funny that you mentioned the chewed window sill. I noticed yesterday that my deck steps are now all chewed up. They never were before! That Midge is certainly trying to make a statement!! I agree with you - VERY STUBBORN!!

I actually had a squirrglar coming into the girls room to help her eat her buffet. It was simply cute at first but then she started making a new hole to enter each time and taking container's out with her. We put some hardware cloth over the screens and within a short period of time there were no more break ins. I wonder if you could put some hardware cloth up over the window screens to save your new screens and help you poor caged humans get some fresh air :gigg

[Carol Lynn]

Hi Lighten-Up,

I can't speak for others, and many people out there know way more about this than I do, but it has been my experience that when it comes to food, all bets are off with the squirrels. They may be squirrels that share a nest box and don't seem to mind each other's presence at all under normal circumstances, but when it comes to handing out food, there always seems to be competition. Some are naturally more dominant or aggressive, and there always seem to be some poor weak little souls that dart about on the periphery, hoping to grab something and make a run for it. When I have several of them around, I usually try to deal with it by placing food in small bowls in different areas. Even if one happens to walk past another that is eating, though, I almost always hear some growling or see some little charges or at the very least shifting around to keep a close eye on the interloper. I find it's even worse if nuts are involved!! Aren't people really the same way, though? I was at a play recently where some of the cast members were tossing bags of candy and chips to the audience, and some of those people were ready to knock others over just to get a mini bag of potato chips! I do hope it goes well with your girls, though! Keep me posted!! :)


I would like to know how others handle this. I know many of you feed a lot that come to your door, do they all get along? And have you done anything to make that work out?

My Wild Mom will get fidgety and growl when any other squirrel comes around when she is getting her nuts on the back deck. She will downright chase them off the deck! Once, I just stepped outside, instantly, there was a squirrel fight 30 feet in a tree above my head, a squirrel chased another right out of the tree! I thought, was this because I just walked outside??? It happened the instant I walked outside. So I watched, the chaser immediately made a bee-line for my back door, it was Wild-Mom. Oh good heavens! Was that necessary? I have reason to think she was watching for me, saw me, and wanted all the nuts for herself.

I like all the squirrels, there are 4 others that take nuts from my hand too now, I can’t give my only preference to Wild Mom. I have decided to tell Wild Mom that she will always be my number-one wild girl, the first one who befriended me; and that she has a very very special place in my heart and always will. But that I will also love and feed all the others too. I hope to be able to convey to her that she will be secure in knowing that I will always have nuts for her, and that feeding the others will not infringe on her. So I am working out how to keep harmony in the backyard, and show that everyone is cared for. For right now, the others come to me when Wild Mom is not around. That seems to work for now.

I will soon be releasing my two release girls, and they will be my number one release girls, so everyone is going to have to learn to get along together, all loved, all valued, all chosen... All thoughts are welcome.

[Carol Lynn]

I actually had a squirrglar coming into the girls room to help her eat her buffet. It was simply cute at first but then she started making a new hole to enter each time and taking container's out with her. We put some hardware cloth over the screens and within a short period of time there were no more break ins. I wonder if you could put some hardware cloth up over the window screens to save your new screens and help you poor caged humans get some fresh air :gigg

Hi Penny Cash,

You know, I remember someone posting about this when Midge came into my kitchen one time last summer - was that you?? I mentioned this to my husband a few days ago, in fact. It seems like a fantastic idea and I would love to do that - it seems like it would solve all of my problems - but I'm not sure how you installed the hardware cloth. Can you give me a little more information about how to hang it?? It would be great to be able to open all the windows again. We haven't even gotten to the hottest part of the summer and already I'm suffering from the heat in this closed up house! Midge actually chewed another big hole in my screen just today when I opened the sliders for a few minutes. :(

Oh, and BTW, DarkLies had asked if she was pregnant the other day and I said "no," but when I got a good look at her today, she seems to have put on a little weight again. Could she be pregnant again already after just having had babies a couple months ago??

[Shewhosweptforest]

Wow.....aren't you the popular one :eek all kidding aside this could become a huge problem....well actually is a huge problem...I was thinking...maybe she likes the screen....once she initially chewed on it :dono she decided she liked it. I know it sounds silly...but my wild squirrels love chewing on the aluminum wires that hold the chain link fence to the poles....they chew right through them.....I see them sitting on the fence chewing them....and I've seen a couple squirrels chew on the aluminum walk board on our scaffolding :dono I don't know why ....but they chew it. If this is the case you're in real trouble...and hardware cloth probably will be your only choice :facepalm glad you're starting to feel better :hug :Love_Icon

[Carol Lynn]

Wow.....aren't you the popular one :eek all kidding aside this could become a huge problem....well actually is a huge problem...I was thinking...maybe she likes the screen....once she initially chewed on it :dono she decided she liked it. I know it sounds silly...but my wild squirrels love chewing on the aluminum wires that hold the chain link fence to the poles....they chew right through them.....I see them sitting on the fence chewing them....and I've seen a couple squirrels chew on the aluminum walk board on our scaffolding :dono I don't know why ....but they chew it. If this is the case you're in real trouble...and hardware cloth probably will be your only choice :facepalm glad you're starting to feel better :hug :Love_Icon

Ugh! I hope not!! I hadn't even thought of that! :( The screen that we have on there now is one of those pet-proof [NOT] screens, and it appears to be made of some sort of tough fabric coated with plastic. I was just saying to my husband today that maybe we need to find some aluminum screens since I didn't think she'd be able to chew that. I can't believe you're now telling me that your guys actually LIKE chewing on aluminum!! Oh no!! Maybe I should just pitch a tent in the backyard and move out there??

[Shewhosweptforest]

Ugh! I hope not!! I hadn't even thought of that! :( The screen that we have on there now is one of those pet-proof [NOT] screens, and it appears to be made of some sort of tough fabric coated with plastic. I was just saying to my husband today that maybe we need to find some aluminum screens since I didn't think she'd be able to chew that. I can't believe you're now telling me that your guys actually LIKE chewing on aluminum!! Oh no!! Maybe I should just pitch a tent in the backyard and move out there??

:great that would work :laugh2 probably be cooler now that you're having to live "closed in" :eek
I think you may be fine...since the screens are that fabric material....fingers crossed! :hug

[PennyCash]

Hi Penny Cash,

You know, I remember someone posting about this when Midge came into my kitchen one time last summer - was that you?? I mentioned this to my husband a few days ago, in fact. It seems like a fantastic idea and I would love to do that - it seems like it would solve all of my problems - but I'm not sure how you installed the hardware cloth. Can you give me a little more information about how to hang it?? It would be great to be able to open all the windows again. We haven't even gotten to the hottest part of the summer and already I'm suffering from the heat in this closed up house! Midge actually chewed another big hole in my screen just today when I opened the sliders for a few minutes. :(

Oh, and BTW, DarkLies had asked if she was pregnant the other day and I said "no," but when I got a good look at her today, she seems to have put on a little weight again. Could she be pregnant again already after just having had babies a couple months ago??

Possibly but I've slept since then and forgot :gigg
Ok installation for us. Our house is all brick EXCEPT the window cut out? The window is recessed into the house for lack of working construction terminology. The original screens fit right under the top window. The wooden surround for the window sticks out another couple of inches with another couple of inches where the window ledge sticks out even more. For us it was simply a matter of measuring the width and height of the windows. Buying an appropriately sized roll of (1/2" sq) hardware cloth and rolling out the hardware cloth to cover the window from top to under the ledge. We used wood screws with metal washers into the wood and concrete screws into the brick. Therefore we effectively covered the whole window opening to prevent any finding a way in. If you don't have any extra space perhaps you could build a frame but wrap the hardware cloth around the wood to prevent chewing on that to get to the screens. I find that it's barely noticeable even when people come to the house. You almost need to know it's there. Unfortunately I'm not savvy enough to figure out how to make one for the sliding glass doors Unless there's a way to attach it to the outside of the door yet not effect it's sliding capabilities. Maybe someone more technical than I can figure that one out. Good luck :hug

[Lighten-Up]

Maybe I should just pitch a tent in the backyard and move out there??

:laugh2

Yesterday, I had the thought to put hardware cloth over the screens... I have an outbuilding that has cast iron screening on it, the pretty kind that is on a lattice diagonal to keep out burglars. It has one 3/4 to one inch holes/spaces. I realized that I could see out of it, but that animals could not get into it, there are screens on the inside of it to keep out the bugs. When I saw that, I had the thought to use hardware cloth over windows that critters are coming in, as it would solve a lot of things, and really not be overly noticeable.

[Carol Lynn]

:laugh2

Yesterday, I had the thought to put hardware cloth over the screens... I have an outbuilding that has cast iron screening on it, the pretty kind that is on a lattice diagonal to keep out burglars. It has one 3/4 to one inch holes/spaces. I realized that I could see out of it, but that animals could not get into it, there are screens on the inside of it to keep out the bugs. When I saw that, I had the thought to use hardware cloth over windows that critters are coming in, as it would solve a lot of things, and really not be overly noticeable.

That sounds like a good idea!! I wish I could come up with something. Just about two minutes ago I heard my husband shouting "No!" in the kitchen. He was out there washing dishes and Midge came into the kitchen - through the screen, of course. She is just lucky the cats haven't gotten her yet. I just don't know what to do with her, and unfortunately, I can't seem to figure a way to put hardware cloth on the sliding doors. It's hot and humid today and we're stuck in here with the windows closed up! :(
Oh Midge!!

[Lighten-Up]

That sounds like a good idea!! I wish I could come up with something. Just about two minutes ago I heard my husband shouting "No!" in the kitchen. He was out there washing dishes and Midge came into the kitchen - through the screen, of course. She is just lucky the cats haven't gotten her yet. I just don't know what to do with her, and unfortunately, I can't seem to figure a way to put hardware cloth on the sliding doors. It's hot and humid today and we're stuck in here with the windows closed up! :(
Oh Midge!!

I assume only one slider door opens right? Could you make a 3x6 foot hardware cloth door (wood frame edges and hardware cloth center) that swings open and closed? Mount it right over the open slider door. It would be positioned on the outside of the house. :grin2

[Carol Lynn]

I assume only one slider door opens right? Could you make a 3x6 foot hardware cloth door (wood frame edges and hardware cloth center) that swings open and closed? Mount it right over the open slider door. It would be positioned on the outside of the house. :grin2

Sorry, LightenUp, somehow I had missed your suggestion!! The problem is that it's a main entry door, so I have to be able use those sliders and have them lock. I don't know how that would work, but admittedly, I am not good at envisioning these things. I'll tell my husband about what you suggested and see what he thinks. Maybe it would work after all.

BTW, I do think that my little Midge is pregnant again. DarkLies was right. Her little Tummy is not as little as it used to be. Someone built a new nest in my tree today (I noticed all the leaf litter on the ground), and I'm wondering if it was her??

[Lighten-Up]

What I was describing would still keep your slider operable. You would mount a frame on the exterior of your slider/house wall. So you would swing open the protective hardware cloth door, and then open the slider, thus having open access to go in and out when both swing door and slider are open. Technically, you could probably make a hardware cloth slider door, I just thought that a swing door would be easier.

Hmmmmm..... Another idea just occurred to me. Could you mount hardware cloth on your slider screen door that is already there? Find a way to rivet it to the metal edges and wow, you have a squirrel impermeable sliding screen door. The intact screen will keep out the mosquitoes, and the hardware cloth will keep out the squirrels. :gigg



Sorry, LightenUp, somehow I had missed your suggestion!! The problem is that it's a main entry door, so I have to be able use those sliders and have them lock. I don't know how that would work, but admittedly, I am not good at envisioning these things. I'll tell my husband about what you suggested and see what he thinks. Maybe it would work after all.

BTW, I do think that my little Midge is pregnant again. DarkLies was right. Her little Tummy is not as little as it used to be. Someone built a new nest in my tree today (I noticed all the leaf litter on the ground), and I'm wondering if it was her??

[JLM27]

Couple of ideas.
Are you sure she doesn't have babies anywhere?

1. I used copper screen on my kitchen window after an avocado incident. No trouble since, but it was expensive. If you wonder why this works, put a penny in your mouth.
2. Friends of mine got kevlar screen for this purpose and they say it has worked. You need to find a local screen company.
3. Spray something yucky but harmless at her through the screen. Dog urine comes to mind.
4. I have put hardware cloth on the outside of screens (leaving the bug fine screen in place on the inside).

[Carol Lynn]

What I was describing would still keep your slider operable. You would mount a frame on the exterior of your slider/house wall. So you would swing open the protective hardware cloth door, and then open the slider, thus having open access to go in and out when both swing door and slider are open. Technically, you could probably make a hardware cloth slider door, I just thought that a swing door would be easier.

Hmmmmm..... Another idea just occurred to me. Could you mount hardware cloth on your slider screen door that is already there? Find a way to rivet it to the metal edges and wow, you have a squirrel impermeable sliding screen door. The intact screen will keep out the mosquitoes, and the hardware cloth will keep out the squirrels. :gigg

Thanks, Lighten Up. I think I see what you mean now. I must confess that I am not handy, and while my husband can do some things, he's not a builder by a longshot!! :grin2 We have siding on the house, too, which makes it all a bit more complicated. I'm sure what you are describing can be done, but I'm not confident that we'll be able to do it ourselves. Perhaps I should look around for a handyman and run all of the suggestions by him and see what he thinks he can do. I do appreciate the suggestions and will let you know how it goes. Thank goodness it is cool here today because I have the door shut tightly!! :grin3

[Carol Lynn]

Couple of ideas.
Are you sure she doesn't have babies anywhere?

1. I used copper screen on my kitchen window after an avocado incident. No trouble since, but it was expensive. If you wonder why this works, put a penny in your mouth.
2. Friends of mine got kevlar screen for this purpose and they say it has worked. You need to find a local screen company.
3. Spray something yucky but harmless at her through the screen. Dog urine comes to mind.
4. I have put hardware cloth on the outside of screens (leaving the bug fine screen in place on the inside).

Thank you for the ideas, JLM. Copper screening sounds like something we'd be able to do ourselves, and if it solves the problem, I won't mind the price. We've already changed the screen several times recently - and we used the so-called "animal proof" (not) screening - and that was a bit more expensive than regular screen, anyway. I will have to look around for that.

I also like the idea of hardware cloth, I just don't know how to mount it on an aluminum door frame. Did you mount it on top of an aluminum frame?