Lana,

This is a pretty common problem with outdoor lead sculptures and also
architectural lead.

Some of the solutions may include trapping the squirrels, apply cayenne
paste to the sculpture, or using other repellants. But squirrels can be
very persistent.

As a conservator I am not a fan of applying things to the surfaces of
historic sculptures, but if it keeps the piece from being chewed it's less
of a problem ultimately. I guess my first question is whether the lead
sculpture has to remain outdoors? Moving it inside is the best solution,
otherwise you may have to spend a lot of time dealing with the issues that
having it outdoors brings.

Here's a link for natural repellants you can try.
http://www.ask.com/question/do-it-yourself-squirrel-repellent

Here's a link from the Winterthur Museum blog on their experiences. You may
want to give them a call.
http://gardenblog.winterthur.org/2011/07/27/squirrels-and-sculpture/

Cheers!
Dave

David Harvey
Senior Conservator and Museum Consultant
Los Angeles CA
www.cityofangelsconservation.weebly.com



On Mon, Jun 9, 2014 at 11:47 AM, Lana Dubin <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi all,
>
> I was wondering if anyone had experience with squirrels nibbling outdoor
> lead sculptures. The statue was cast long before lead and lead paint
> required bittering agents, and the squirrels are apparently enjoying the
> sculpture as a sweet treat. We have tried fox urine and other scent
> detractors around the sculpture with no success. Our next step is rabbit
> blood but before we go down that morbid route I was hoping someone knew of
> a bittering agent or other substance that will deter the squirrels without
> damaging the sculpture. Has anyone else had this problem? Thank you for
> your help!
>
> Lana Dubin
>
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