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Squirrels & Rats in Fruit Trees: Illegal Poison Use Warning

Question: Squirrels climb plastic wrap on apricot. Rat poison bars on fence—gone daily, no dead bodies. Trees stripped yearly. BB gun? Aluminum collars? Metal screening on fence?

Answer: STOP—Rat Poison for Squirrels Is Federal Crime

Violation: Rodenticide labels specify target species/sites
No bodies ≠ success: Poisoned animals die hidden
Risk: Non-targets (birds, pets, predators) eat poisoned rodents

Legal, Effective Solutions

Aluminum tree collars: Start 5 ft up, 2 ft wide, overlapping like shingles. Ensure jump distance > squirrel ability.
BB gun: Only if legal to shoot squirrels & discharge firearms in your area.
Trapping: Safer, legal (check laws).

Rat Control

See ICWDM for comprehensive, legal rat management.

Bottom Line

Your husband's poison use risks massive fines & ecological harm. Switch to legal methods now.

Pests: Sawdust Threads on Oak Tree: Wood Borers or Caterpillar Frass—Diagnosis Steps; Squirrels on Roof via Power Lines: Call Utility, Don't DIY; Rats in the Garage: Beyond the RatZapper to Integrated Control; Rat Population on City Lot: Trapping and Fire Risk; Protecting Your Container Garden from Squirrels; Protecting Fruit Trees from Squirrels: Exclusion and Population Management; Squirrels Stripping Bark: Protect Trees & Reduce Population; Squirrel Bark Stripping on Urban Maples: Hot Sauce Deterrent; Squirrels Stripping Tree Leaves: Temporary Nuisance; Squirrels Eating Young Maple Leaves

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