Our pests are ground squirrels. They are so cute people say. They used to come to our church yard and set up residence. They had more babies that you can shake a stick at. Oh they were soooo cute and looked sweet until a child tried to pick one up. Did you know they bite.

Then winter came. It is so much warmer for these wonderful creatures that God has made under the church. The heat provided by those nice God fearing people was so wonderful, and did you know they have installed a place for exercise and recreation. Yes, the pipes and wires underneath the floors, hence ceiling of the crawl space make great runs for enterprising squirrels. You can even do chin ups on them. Our wonderful animals seemed to be more fit than the others down the street.

We used to live trap them and take them for a ride in the country. But the farmers didn’t appreciate new invaders that would strengthen the population already there. So, we looked for other solutions. Yes the shotgun would have been my favorite solution. Having it discharge in my hands and seeing the demise of God’s creatures would seem to bring great joy and a wonderful solution to nasty irritation. But you’re right Tim City ordinances prohibit such terrible means for getting rid of the squirrels.

Since we can’t have flea bitten (yes they brought these wonderful creations with them too), potential biting animals on the church property, we have found the best solution that brings wonderful peace of mind. We simply put the poison laced feed in a special feeder that only ground squirrels would use. (Birds and cats won’t go in there.) The squirrels simply die in their tracks a little while later after feeling very sickly. Usually that’s underground. They are provided a great resting place at church, and we might even think of them fondly for a day or two. However, a few have felt the sudden grip of death come upon them under the church. Yes, there are quite a few skeletons under our building. Thankfully they are only from squirrels. We won’t get in trouble with any government agency for that. I have found the stink only lasts for four or five days, because they usually die underneath my office floor.

That usually brings to an end of the squirrel season at our church. But as you know that only lasts until some young ones are kicked out of their parents territory and they have to find a new place. Especially a territory that is free from other squirrels.