Squirrel and Chipmunks

[Greenwich Maple Man]

New thread question. I have been shooting as many squirrels as possible in one of my sugar woods. They have done a ton of damage in the last two years. My question is do Chipmunks bother lines as well? I have never seen them chewing on them so was not sure.Any thoughts? It is a rather fun job!!!!!!

[Sunday Rock Maple]

I think the answer is yes, but nothing near the extent of squirrels. We had a very big problem years ago and it was a large factor in deciding not to put tubing back after the ice storm on 98 (it's been 2,300 buckets since then). We are putting a wet/dry system in this year and so we've been in the woods a lot and I've only seen 1 squirrel all year. Perhaps there has been a population crash, or perhaps it is that we cut off 95% of our evergreens (mostly hemlock) about 7 years ago and their food source is gone. Another factor could be a den of foxes that we have been pretty much leaving alone for just that reason. I've heard (but not tried) that salt blocks can also help.

Good Luck!

Brian

[Mark]

I don't think Chipmunks bother my tubing at all. I usually don't touch any tubing with bare hands and don't wash with bleach with dries to a salt. My mainlines are insulated at the ends and side ties. I run a electric fencer on the mainline wires to prevent damage from larger animals like bears.

[KenWP]

I have to send you guys my cats.Squirrel and chipmunk problems solved. Plus any grouse you have also. I have't seen a critter this year yet. Now if I can figure out how to get the ones that get in my chicken feed bags inside I will be set.