Question
I have a Japanese Maple that the squirrels have stripped the bark off in multiple places.  How can I treat this?
Located in the southeastern,us.

Answer
Squirrel repellants are an option in some circumstances but are not effective in deterring bark-stripping. Capsaicin, the active ingredient in hot sauce, is a registered repellent and polybutene is a sticky tactile repellent. I think I would try putting hot sauce on the bark--it will not hurt the tree and should repell the squirrels. Live-trapping is an option if the problems come from a few persistent squirrels. Permits maybe required to do this in your area check with your local Game and Parks Commission or a local animal control office. Trapped squirrels should be released in a vacant habitat?br> wooded area that doesn't have many other squirrels. Resident squirrels are very territorial and transplants may not survive.