Preventing Squirrel Bark Stripping on Silk Floss Trees

Squirrels girdling bark on silk floss (Ceiba speciosa) trees can kill branches or the whole tree if the trunk is fully encircled. Remove loose bark; the tree will compartmentalize. Mimosa isn't prone to borers, so wounds aren't high-risk.

Apply taste repellents: capsaicin-based products or Ro-pel (denatonium benzoate) to trunks and branches. Reapply after rain. Physical barriers (metal flashing) can also deter climbing. Check local nurseries for registered repellents.