Pepper wax: An organic squirrel deterrent for lead

Lauren Fair and Adam Jenkins

Abstract

Damage from squirrels to lead garden sculpture at the Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library occurred over several decades and was so widespread that almost every lead sculpture was relegated to storage to stop the problem. Within the last decade, many original lead pieces have been conserved and returned to the gardens. A cayenne pepper wax recipe has been employed as part of the annual maintenance program and so far has done the trick to deter squirrels. This tip presents the practical side of how to mix the wax, how to apply it, and what to expect in terms of its appearance and maintenance needs. 
 

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2017 | Chicago | Volume 24