Squirrels can be very pesky creatures, constantly gnawing on things and causing damage. If you have trees in your yard that squirrels like to climb, they may chew on the bark and cause significant damage over time. Squirrel proofing the trunk is an effective way to prevent this damage and deter squirrels from climbing your trees.
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Why Do Squirrels Chew on Tree Bark?
Squirrels chew on tree bark for a few reasons:
- To sharpen their teeth – Squirrels’ teeth grow continuously and they need to gnaw on hard surfaces to file them down and keep them at an appropriate length.
- To access the sap – Some trees have sap under the bark that squirrels like the taste of.
- To gain access to insects – Squirrels may chew away bark to get to insect larvae and eggs underneath.
Continuous chewing can strip away significant amounts of bark, exposing the vascular tissue underneath. This can disrupt the transportation of water and nutrients, putting stress on the tree. It also creates entry points for diseases and insects that can kill the tree over time.
How to Squirrel Proof a Tree Trunk
There are a few effective methods to deter squirrels from chewing on your tree trunks:
Use a Physical Barrier
Wrapping something around the trunk that obstructs the squirrels’ chewing can be very effective. Some options include:
- Sheet metal – Wrap galvanized sheet metal 2-3 feet up the trunk and secure with bolts or wire. The slippery surface deters climbing and chewing.
- Wire mesh – Cover the trunk in 1/4-1/2″ wire mesh, taking care not to damage the bark when securing it.
- Aluminum flashing – Wrap strips of aluminum flashing around the trunk, shining side out.
Plastic tree guards or spiral wraps can also obstruct access and deter chewing. Just be sure not to completely girdle the trunk, which can restrict growth.
Apply Unpleasant Tastes
Applying foul tasting substances to the bark can deter squirrels from chewing. Some options include:
- Hot sauce/pepper spray – Dilute hot sauce or pepper spray with water 1:1 and apply it to the trunk. Reapply after rain.
- Bitrex – This extremely bitter commercial animal deterrent comes in liquid or gel and can be brushed on.
- Vinegar – A 5% vinegar solution can be sprayed on the bark.
Be aware these solutions may need to be reapplied frequently.
Use Repellent Scents
Strong scents that squirrels dislike can mask the tree’s appeal. Options include:
- Moth balls/flakes – Place moth balls or moth flakes around the base of the tree.
- Ammonia – Soak rags in ammonia and place them in plastic bags. Hang the bags around the tree.
- Peppermint oil – Apply peppermint oil around the trunk.
Reapply these scents periodically, such as after rain. Ammonia can irritate skin, nose, and eyes, so use caution.
Sprinkle on Repellents
Applying granular chemicals or gritty substances can deter squirrels from climbing or chewing on a tree. Some options are:
- Anti-climb paint + sand – Mix exterior latex paint with fine sand or stone dust. Brush a 2 ft wide ring around the trunk.
- Cayenne pepper – Sprinkle ground cayenne pepper around the base of the tree.
- Squirrel repellent chemicals – Products like plantskydd contain predator urine and hot pepper that irritate squirrels.
Be careful not to overuse chemical repellents and read product instructions carefully before applying.
Scare Them Away
Using predator smells, sounds, and visual deterrents can frighten squirrels away from the tree. Some options are:
- Fox or coyote urine – Sprinkle predator urine around the base of the tree.
- Ultrasonic device – Use a battery-powered ultrasonic noise emitter that annoys squirrels.
- Scare tape – Hang foil mylar tape around tree branches that flashes and makes noise in the wind.
- Fake predator – Place a fake owl, snake, or cat predator effigy in the tree.
These solutions may provide temporary relief but squirrels can become accustomed. Altering positions and moving items periodically makes them more effective.
Use Natural Roosting Deterrents
Some natural components can make trees less appealing for squirrels to nest and climb. Options include:
- Petroleum jelly – Smear petroleum jelly on the trunk to make it slippery and hard to climb.
- Oil – Coat the bark lightly in cooking oil to change scent and texture.
- Vaseline + chili powder – Apply Vaseline mixed with chili powder to repel squirrels.
These solutions should be reapplied fairly often to remain effective.
When to Use Physical Barriers vs. Repellents
Physical barriers like sheet metal or wire mesh provide the best guaranteed protection from chewing but can be labor intensive or expensive to install. Foul tasting, scent, or tactile repellents often provide adequate deterrence at lower cost and effort on established trees. However, they require more frequent reapplication and may be washed away by rain or sprinklers. For newly planted or particularly valuable trees, physical barriers are recommended for maximum protection. Repellents can be used for maintaining protection over time.
Tips for Effective Squirrel Proofing
Follow these tips when squirrel proofing your tree trunks:
- Apply solutions at least 2-3 feet up the trunk to block access.
- Use a combination of methods, such as mesh with repellent paste.
- Reapply temporary repellent solutions frequently, especially after rain.
- Secure barriers well so squirrels cannot loosen them and chew underneath.
- Monitor trees and refresh deterrents if any chewing or damage appears.
Preventive Care For Tree Health
In addition to squirrel proofing, some preventive care can help keep your trees healthy and resistant to damage:
- Proper watering – Ensure trees get adequate, deep watering to stay vigorous.
- Mulch – Maintain 2-4 inches of organic mulch around the base to protect roots.
- Fertilizer – Apply a balanced, slow-release tree fertilizer annually.
- Pruning – Prune dead or overgrown branches to maintain tree health.
- Disease/pest control – Watch for signs of disease or insects and treat problems early.
With diligent squirrel proofing and proper care, your trees can thrive for many years to come despite the presence of cheeky squirrels!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do squirrels keep chewing my tree after I squirrel proofed it?
If squirrels continue chewing a tree after proofing, it generally means the deterrent used was not fully effective. Solutions like repellent sprays may have worn off or washed away, allowing the squirrels to access the bark again. Physical barriers may have gaps or loose areas allowing the squirrels to get through. Ensure all deterrents are reapplied as directed and any barriers are fully secured. Combining multiple deterrents can also make it more effective.
How often do I need to reapply squirrel repellent?
Most liquid or powder repellent solutions will need reapplication every 1-2 weeks or after significant rain or watering. Visual deterrents like scare tape or effigies may only need refreshing every 4-6 weeks if they remain in good condition. Frequent reapplication is key to maintaining the scent or appearance that deters squirrels.
What are signs that a tree needs squirrel proofing?
Indications a tree may need protection from squirrel chewing include:
- Visible gnaw marks on the bark
- Sections of shredded or stripped bark
- Exposed, lighter inner bark under damaged areas
- Sap oozing from chewing wounds
- An abundance of squirrels active around the tree
Acting quickly when these signs are noticed can prevent more severe damage by squirrels.
How high should the squirrel proofing extend up the tree trunk?
For optimal protection, squirrel barriers or repellents should extend 2-3 feet up the trunk from ground level. Squirrels can climb very small areas, so blocking access up to 3 feet prevents them reaching untreated bark unless they jump directly onto a higher branch.
Will petroleum jelly or oil hurt my tree bark?
Plain petroleum jelly or cooking oils typically will not harm tree bark when applied in a light coating strictly to repel squirrels. However, heavy application could possibly impact respiration through the bark. Be sure to apply lightly, focusing only on areas vulnerable to squirrel damage rather than coating the entire trunk circumference.
Conclusion
Squirrel proofing your trees involves understanding squirrel behavior and using effective deterrents. Physical barriers such as metal or mesh provide the strongest protection. Foul tasting or unpleasant repellent sprays tend to require more frequent reapplication. Combining multiple techniques can be more successful than a single deterrent. With patience and persistence, you can train pesky squirrels to leave your tree trunks alone and avoid detrimental chewing damage.