Squirrel attack!!!!

20 years ago

Have any of you ever had a problem with squirrels going after your palm seedlings? I had a previous posting, 'Medjool Date surprise'. Grew them from seeds saved from a box of Medjool dates purchased at Publix. I had these palms, along with several other types, outside on my back patio. The pesky squirrels quickly learned that all they had to do was pull the plants up out of the pot to get to the seed still attached to the roots. Have lost more than a dozen palms... most of my Medjools and several Triangle palms. I can't use the language I would like to describe how I feel about squirrels, or I would get kicked off of GW. They're nothing more than tree-dwelling rats with bushy tales. My trusty Crosman 2100 has already sent 2 of them to early graves. If anyone knows of a way to permanently repell squirrels (short of keeping a fox or bobcat on a chain) let me know. Trying to blast them with a pellet rifle in a crowded subdivision is not really safe or smart.

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Comments (8)

numbersix
I had a squirrel chew through a window screen and try to get at palm seedlings. I dont think it got any. I shot him in the face with a pellet gun.
numbersix
I had a squirrel chew through a window screen and try to get at palm seedlings. I dont think it got any. I shot him in the face with a pellet gun.
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numbersix
I had a squirrel chew through a window screen and try to get at palm seedlings. I dont think it got any. I shot him in the face with a pellet gun.
unautre
20 years ago
yes, I had a Texas Fox squirrel attack some Chinese fan palm seedlings I got super cheap from wal-mart. He got a couple, chewed up the tiny trunk, and then left the rest alone.
donrheinheimer
20 years ago
I had the same problem with my potted palms and seedlings. I did find the solution though. Get a terrier...lol. I got my west highland terrier for one reason - Squirrels. Even if he's not killing them, he's certainly defending his territory and his palms. Good luck.

Also if this is too much for you. I also have a squirrel trap that i put nuts in, catch them, and release them miles away.

Don
moonie_57 (8 NC)
20 years ago
Maybe try moth balls? I use them to keep my cats out of the flower beds. Works like a charm.
blondboy47
20 years ago
I have tried moth balls, but they didn't work.... angered the moths too... however (snicker)....

Actually, put some cloves of garlic around the plants. The squirrels don't like garlic. And if one does take a bite, you'll be able to find him quickly. Nothing more potent than garlicy squirrel breath! LOL ;)
redbeard92
20 years ago
I'm sick of the rabbits and squirrels, this year all my smaller plants are fenced in. Last year I had a bunch of palm seedlings on the front porch, came home and found most of the leaves chewed off.

Rob