Should I exterminate the squirrels in my backyard?

Question

A neighbor told me that squirrels are rodents that carry the bubonic plague (the Black Death) and that they are dirtier and more aggressive than rats. It makes me view them much differently now. I sometimes notice them looking at me from the tree branches like they're sizing me up for an attack. It's kind of scary. I don't want my kids to be bitten by a squirrel carrying the Black plague. What do you think, are we in danger?

Answer 1

I hope you're kidding....if you are its really funny. If you aren't, its really sad. You're neighbor is an idiot. The black plague is kinda non-exsistance these days. Do you know how many squirrels have ever killed a human being? None. Ever. It doens't happen, whether through disease or attacks. Its insane. And you're neighbor needs to consider medication and therapy, you should more leery of him with your kids than anything else. Leave the squirrels alone, they are just doing their thing in life. Piece of advice: Don't talk to your neighbor.

Answer 2

Your neighbor is paranoid. What are you talking about? Has anyone in the past hundred or so years of whatever civilized country caught bubonic plague from a squirrel? That doesn't happen. How many times do you come in contact with squirrels anyway? They don't go in your house. Quit being a wimp. Let the poor squirrels be. They look at you because they're curious, and they want to know that you aren't going to attack them. Get a grip child.

Answer 3

What?Weed wack a squirrel, and whilst you see one you have got to have many extra... By the top of summer season you'll have plenty weed wacked squirrels. Very bold individual, then I think you'll have your possess squirrel cemetary and all the ones squirrel furnurals...Then the pals squirrels will see your backyard as squirrell unfastened and are available to supply a bit manufacturer. I do respect your ambition. But this ancient foggy will get a cage after which hauls the pest to the animal manipulate. Find out in case your county has an Animal Control refuge.

Answer 4

What?Weed wack a squirrel, and while you see one you ought to have many extra... With the aid of the top of summer time you're going to have so much weed wacked squirrels. Very ambitious character, then I suppose which you can have your possess squirrel cemetary and all these squirrel furnurals...Then the neighbors squirrels will see your yard as squirrell free and are available to give just a little corporation. I do admire your ambition. However this ancient foggy gets a cage after which hauls the pest to the animal control. Discover in case your county has an Animal manage refuge.

Answer 5

They are not sizing you up! They are afraid of people, the only reason one would attack is if it had rabies or if you cornered it. Teach your children not to torment, chase or touch them and everyone will be fine.

For some strange reason there are no squirrels in the town where I live. Not one! It is wierd! My hubby and I moved from a place that was full of squirrels so we miss them. Whenever we go somewhere there are squirrels we are so excited to see them (I know that sounds silly but they really are fun to watch) In one park we go to we always bring some grapes, they love them! My husband is always trying to get one to take a grape or a piece of bread out of his hand and the last time we were out one did.

If they bother you too much, call someone who can give you suggestions as to how to make them go away without killing them. Remember, they have a right to be here too. Matter of fact we are taking up their territory.

I really don't think you have anything to worry about though.

Answer 6

a bite from a squirrel isn't gonna pass bubonic plaque, it's more likely to pass rabies.

Get a pellet gun, and start harvesting.. They aren't sizing you up for a fight, they are figuring out if your friend or foe to run from.


as an aside relocation will not work.. I have an uncled that caught one of these little bastards in a havahart trap. He spray painted his back hauled him from Littleton CO to Deckers CO a distances of about 30 miles and the same little bastard (spray paint and all) was back in a week.

We live in an area with large old trees Walnuts, Oaks, etc, etc. The squirrel and rabbit population is out of control. Road kill is prevalent on each street some where in our neighborhood and a city that lets them rot into the pavement.


My view of rodents such as squirrels and rabbits is population control. Kill as many as you can before a kid or a dog get's bit and you wind up dealing with rabies on the home front.
As with any rodent searching for a place to nest, squirrels rip houses apart. They nest in attics and urinate unrelentlessly.

Possums and coons are in our area as well and several have been found with rabies, so the rodents are likely to be carrying as well.

Answer 7

No the squirrels are fine, they don't hurt anybody. Ans they mate for life, so if you kill one, the other will be lonely for the rest of its life.
When was the last time you herd of the bubonic plague in a squirrel? Have you ever? I think you neighbor is messing with you.

Answer 8

I live near a wildlife preserve that had an outbreak of bubonic plague caused by squirrels in the area. They had to trap and exterminate all of the squirrels to protect the other wild life. (Call the ranger station at Daley Ranch, Esondido, CA) They posted warnings in our neighborhood bordering the Ranch to protect our pets and not let them come in contact with the squirrels. In our area, some of the citrus growers do shoot and poison them, but the fish & game, wildlife control and feed & seed will loan you traps to help you relocate them if they are not diseased.

Answer 9

I really don't think you (or your kids) are in any danger. I live in the country and see squirrels all the time; they're very flighty animals and are scared easily. The liklihood of an attack is slim to none. Isn't the bubonic plague eliminated? Or at least in recession, anyway.

Answer 10

Fried squirrel and squirrel with rice are actually good. Of coarse you would want to make sure that they are cooked fully just in case of the plague. First skin and boil the squirrel until tender. Then cut the meat into pieces (kind of like chicken). Batter and fry until golden brown. In another pot (while this is cooking) boil rice in the squirrel water until tender. You can even make a brown gravy after you are finished frying the meat. Mmmmmmmmmmmmm good!