This response was provided by Darryl Coates, Illinois Department of Natural Resources District Wildlife Biologist.
Squirrels can become a nuisance with excessive digging. If you can live with the digging then “OK.” If the digging gets to be excessive - removal of squirrels by trapping is the only way to reduce this type of damage. You will need a nuisance removal permit from your District Wildlife Biologist in your county. But to address your question, small trees and shrubs can be desirable food sources for squirrels to nibble on. Squirrels may develop a taste for new growth, soft tender shoots at the end of the branches or buds. Sometime, they acquire a taste for the bark of a particular woody plant and begin pealing the bark from the trunk. When this happens, I recommend that you begin to use repellents or exclusions techniques. If the squirrels are going after the branches or buds, there are a couple of taste repellents that can be used to discourage squirrels. The first is Capsaicin this product is made from red pepper ( a natural deterrent) and the second product is Ro-Pel. Both are ready to use products. For more information on squirrels damage prevention and control measures look under Directory of Wildlife, Mammals, then select Squirrels and you will see additional recommendations. No dog is required. Thanks for contacting us.
