I’ve heard stories about peppermint oil or commercially made squirrel repellant, does any of it work ? If so how long? Everything wears off eventually.

I have customers that own vacation homes that aren’t occupied all year, they want to resell squirrels without population reduction (trapping) don’t really know what to suggest to them besides removing food sources and blocking potential access points into the structure.

Any material sold as a repellent or deterrent is generally a waste of money and time in application. Some of the chewing prevention products can be made yourself with some capsaicin powder mixed with a base. Other than trapping and exclusion services followed by good seal / repair work with chew proof materials, that is the only way to stop the problem.

You tell your customers they are dreaming. Sometimes you just have to take the lead and say it isn't possible. It is removing the offenders, or potential offenders, to help mitigate the problem. Or deal with the damage, feces and new occupants.

A non-occupied structure is open house for squirrels, bats, mice, snakes and insects. If there are any opening opportunities these elements will find them or make their own over time.

It's amazing how bloodthirsty the customer can get when the damage is bad enough.

Limited effects at best. Those sonic things don't work either. Sometimes a one way door will work, but I wouldn't give an extensive warranty, chew ins will be 10-20%.

Yeah no kidding

Yeah that’s what I was thinking. The customer wants to do something but doesn’t want to pay for a huge project… well you’re the one who bought a house you leave empty… haha.

Repellents are a scam. Snake oil. Like Prevagen or Balance of nature or Enzyte. Remember Enzyte? "Hey there's Bob!".

The squirrel sees that house as their home.

Ask the customer, if a skunk walked up and sprayed their front door, would they move out or wait until the smell went away? Similarly, if they come back from the grocery store and find they locked themselves out, are they going to give up and find a new home? Exclusion without removing the animal won’t work either. Squirrels have teeth to make their own entry.

If the customer will not let you remove the squirrel, be very clear about the chances for failure. Consider whether you want to take the job and chance on your reputation if they get (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman). This may be one to say you’re not interested in. And price in at least 2 retreats before they decide to let you remove the squirrel. You need to get paid much more for this job if you take it.

Understood, thank you

wistrapper97,

I agree that repellents aren't the best option but why not sell them on a recurring program where you go and apply regularly. You will get guaranteed income and the customer has peace of mind that something is being done. This allows you to build trust with the client and eventually they may agree to population control and/or exclusion of the structure.

Good luck

Jacob

Without population management the chances of occurrence grows exponentially with an ever increasing population.

They might also become irritated that they are spending money every month to get rid of the squirrels with repellents and it isn’t working.

I would never recommend any treatment that I know isn't going to be productive to a client. Because they will realize that in time, that it is not working. Some of these folks I just tell them I can't help them if that is the way the situation is headed.

Many call around and find some pest control company to come in and sell them such a treatment plan. They spend more $$ and still have a re occurring problem.

Some end up calling us back and ask if we can come and do what is needed to be done. Funny how folks learn the hard way sometimes.

Check to see if repellents are considered pesticides in Ohio. They are in NYS. Businesses applying pesticides need to be licensed.

My go to line is, remove offender/offenders and seal entrance. I don't use repellants and let the client know that I have no experience or knowledge of any repellants that work or don't work.