Once in a while there seems to be a crazy one in the bunch that wants to destroy everything in its path.

Two things you can do. Buy a trap and bate it with nuts and peanut butter. They can't resist that menu and 9 times out of ten they go for it.

If that doesn't work purchase a 177 cal. air rifle and send him to squirrel heaven. Even though I don't like to do that sometimes you have no other choice.

The window screen idea won't work. It will be defeated. They are smart and once they hone in on something they won't leave it alone.

Dave

Squirrels will damage the small trees, without even digging in the pots. Use 1/2" landscape fabric, and make a cage for one or many pots.

I had to resort to building a full-scale (16' x 4' x 4') pot ghetto because of the squirrels.

{{gwi:261908}}

It's not full yet, but it won't be long. The next step is to plumb it with a drip irrigation system.

Squirrels terrorized my maples for years. In the winter 04-05, a dozen 5 year old plants were gnawed into pieces. I started picking them off with an air gun. I've bagged quite a few. Now the population is way down and there has been no damage at all for several seasons. The cage alternative seems more respectful of nature but some of my trees are over 8' and all of them grow on a small urban deck. My deck looks better without both squirrels and security fences!