Watch Out For Squirrel Damage To Tree Bark
Those furry tree climbing comical rodents known as squirrels are either loved or hated by us humans. They are fun to watch as they chase each other around the neighborhood. The hate comes when they chew up patio furniture and then start working on a hole into your house. The padding on the patio furniture can be replaced and holes in the house can be repaired. The damage they cause to trees from eating the bark can be fatal.
The reason they eat bark is unknown. I have read theories that include teeth maintenance, water, and nutritional needs and that it’s a pain response from a pregnant doe. Whatever the reason, it can cause the death of branches and the entire tree in some cases. I have found info that says “squirrels like trees with smooth thin bark”. Apparently, not all the squirrels know this. One of our reps has had to remove a Red Oak because of squirrel damage. Bottom line is do not take bark damage from squirrels lightly.
Controlling squirrels can be challenging. First and foremost, remove the squirrel nest from your tree. I have had good luck with predator scents like fox and coyote urine. They work well in defined areas such as flowerbeds and attics. You must use a lot to be effective and they are designed as a repellent. When the squirrel is gone a permanent solution must be in installed. Hawk and owl decoys get a bad rap but I have had good luck with them. They must be placed high and moved at least weekly. I have not tried sonic repellent devices but what feedback I have read is not promising. The sure way to control squirrels is by trapping. Once trapped they should be relocated to the woods or Valhalla!
Dr. Steven Vantassel with the University of Nebraska did a webinar workshop about squirrel control in 2013. It’s just over an hour long and it has some excellent information.
Deer hunting season has arrived and it’s time to put out Antlermax, whole corn, blocks or mix to bring the deer in close. I would like everyone to have a safe and effective season. The safe part is on you, the effective part is where Wells Brothers come in. Our price on whole corn is $7.75 for a 50-pound bag and still, no tax. We have Purina’s Antlermax deer feed, blocks, and loose mineral. The protein percentage of these 50 pounds bags of deer feed are 24%, 20% and a 20% water resistant pellet called “Watershield”. The Antlermax blocks are 33 pounds with a protein percentage of 18. The Antlermax mineral is in a 25-pound bag. We finish this list with MFM’s (Martindale Feed Mill) 16% protein, corn, and roasted soybean mix.
If you feed protein, mix 1 bag of whole corn with 2 bags of pellets. The corn will help keep the pellets from packing in the feeder and it also acts as a desiccant. Watershield will keep moisture from swelling the pellet both in and out of the feeder. I have found that blocks work best when you bury about 3/4 of them. I have used them successfully in both east and west Texas. But the holes are easier to dig in east Texas. You can apply mineral in 1 foot deep holes (pit) or sprinkle it on stumps and logs. I have found the pit method to work the best. MFM’s corn/roasted soybean mix is the best product I have found for getting new feeders active. Come on in and take a look.
The pig must look its absolute best when it takes its first step into the show ring. Anything less is unacceptable.
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