Rid - A - Critter

The habitats for squirrels and rabbits are very similar. There must be an adequate supply of seed bearing trees or plants for both food and protective cover.

Rabbits are secretive, feed at night and remain hidden in their ground dens a great deal of the time. It is the odors in the air that alerts them to either danger or lack of habitat interference.

Squirrels are extroverts. They don't hide unless threatened. They feed during the day, and romp through their territory as the deeded owners of their habitat. General habitat size may be from 2 to 5 acres, but usually they remain in the smaller 2 acres if food and water are plentiful and b-b guns at a minimum.

Both animals mark their territories with scents that are placed at specific marking points and protected from rain whenever possible. Females of both species not only mark their territories but use scents to notify males they are approaching oestrus (fertility.) These scents create territorial familiarity.

PHYSIOLOGY

Squirrels and rabbits have a highly developed sense of smell similar to bats and mice.

1. Olfactory bulb and nerves
   
2. Taste fibers on the tongue and buccal lining
   
3. Body surface nerves or "common chemical sense"
   
4. Inhalation

CHEMICAL RESPONSE

Squirrels and rabbits react immediately to the odor and volatility of our repellent. Although the effects are debilitating, they are temporary and happen as follows:

1. The volatile molecules of naphthalene immediately block the olfactory bulbs ability to discern any odors.
   
2. The molecules are inhaled and cause an immediate blood gas exchange problem (increased CO2 in the blood) and raise respiration and heart rate.
   
3. It inhibits gland secretion used for marking, identification and sexual attraction, thereby, altering the normal habitat cycles.

Since both animals have excellent learning abilities they will return to find another way of existing in their habitat. After several attempts, and the inflammatory stimuli are still effective, they will leave the area until the stimulus is removed.

Neither squirrels or rabbits will continue to exist in an altered air environment and must migrate.

MANAGEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Squirrels require more effort than rabbits and are more tenacious about being evicted from their habitat. It is necessary to spend some time observing squirrel activity to determine the location of:

1. Dens (building) and nests
   
2. Primary runs and marking points both in trees and on the ground (low branches, roof eaves and gutters, wire and cable locations, bird feeders, etc...)
   
3. Feeding and sunning locations
   
4. Population density (more than 4 to 6 squirrels per acre leads to increased population and damage if habitat variances are minimal.

1. Remove squirrels from house area and buildings by use of Dr. T's repellents.
   
2. Block holes with concrete, steel wire mesh, copper shavings, and or ground glass particles.
   
3. Spread Dr. T's repellent onto primary marking areas, runs, nests (if possible) and feeding areas
   
4. Keep seed pods of all kinds picked up and removed or burned to reduce feeding potential
   
5. Keep all entry ways sealed to prevent building entry.

Rabbits are much easier to control but almost impossible to locate. The best method for gaining control here is to remove their food source. Ensure all trash is picked up and covered tightly. Following label directions, dispense Dr. T's repellent in a band around the areas to be protected, whether it is decorative plantings or vegetable gardens does not make any difference. Do not apply directly in the garden. Fencing may be appropriate depending on the size of the area to be protected, or the ease of entry and exit by people. Maintain repellent strength throughout the growing or planting season and it will prevent rabbit damage and population growth.

Gaining control of both squirrels and rabbits should begin in early spring (April) and be maintained until late fall (October/November).

Each 20 ounce container is $9.50, plus S&H

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