Poisoning squirrels is a no-go

There are more than 200 varieties of Texas squirrels worldwide. Theses furry little rascals are, by their nature, curious, precocious, and intrusive. Even though a squirrel’s natural habits can cause them to be destructive and pesky, there are a number of accepted ways to get rid of them that NEVER include poisoning. In fact, in both North America and the United Kingdom there are no registered varieties of poisons currently on the market to administer to for the eradication of San Antonio squirrels. Moreover, North America, the U.K., and most of Europe have laws in place to protect squirrels. Most game and fish regulatory boards classify tree squirrels as game mammals, making them hunting sport for food. By virtue of this act, it is unlawful to poison them because they are a possible food source. Several varieties of tree squirrel are currently protected under the law making it illegal to kill them in an inhumane way. Poisoning animals is considering inhumane, and can be punishable by stiff monetary fines.



The majority of rodent poisons available on the market today contain chemicals like bromethaline and warfarin. Bromethalin is a neurotoxin that causes weakness, paralysis, and cerebral hemorrhaging, while warfarin is an anticoagulant that keeps the blood from clotting. These toxins, usually served up in flavored blocks or pellets, are highly attractive to rats and mice, but are not usually appealing to squirrels. These poisons are also highly toxic to humans and domestic animals. If you are trying to rid yourself of squirrels in your attic or crawlspace it is potentially a waste of time to lay out poison. Squirrels most often prefer to eat outside, favoring seeds and nuts. If you happened to poison one (illegally) in your home, you run the risk of not finding the carcass. This can pose a number of problems. Despite its size, a corpse as small as that of a squirrel can cause a terrible stench while rotting. The odor will attract bugs and other carrion feeders. A squirrel, rotting from poisoning in your walls can cause health and safety issues. It can endanger your home, family, and even your pets.

If squirrels in your yard are the problem, be aware that Texas squirrels forage in an area that covers up to 25 acres. This means laying out large amounts of poison to handle even a few San Antonio squirrels. Not only is this an expensive endeavor, the poison poses a danger to other wildlife and domestic animals. Many Texas environmentalists agree that the toxins from these poisons can leach into our water table and pose a threat to our eco-system. There are many different ways to rid you of these pests. Consult your local San Antonio agricultural agency, wildlife handler, or a pest control service for help. Don’t endanger yourself or others by turning to poisons to rid your home of squirrels.

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