BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 5, 2023
There is no avoiding squirrels in Maine. “Those dastardly dudes can be very destructive,” said Keel Kemper, biologist with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It’s not just wires that are vulnerable to squirrels. They will also gnaw on and damage insulation, woodwork, pipes and cloth. As they chew their way through your home they will urinate and defecate along the way creating a smelly situation and possible health risk. Squirrels also carry diseases. The most common are rabies, leptospirosis and salmonella. “As much as birds love the feed, so do the squirrels.” If people are determined to feed the birds, it’s best done at a distance and with constant upkeep. It’s also important to not provide easy access into your home with trees and tree limbs that squirrels will use as overhead pathways. Look for and eliminate any points of entry. “There are tons of squirrel repellents out there and I am not aware of any that work,” Kemper said.