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A Device That Drives Squirrels Nuts

Bill Earl, left, and Mike DeGinto's strobe drives squirrels from attics. (Courtesy Of Mike Deginto)

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Bill and Mike say the Evictor works for squirrels and roof rats and has been used in Florida against feral cats that had infested an old hospital. (Isn't that the plot of a Stephen King novel?) The base model (you can see it in action at http://www.evictorproducts.com) retails for $295 and draws $9 worth of electricity a year.

Mike estimates they've sold 5,000 but would sell even more if only the pest control industry weren't so enamored of its poisons and its temporary fixes.

"If you solve a problem, that means your cash flow is gonna be diminished," said Mike. The rodent elimination industrial complex has turned a cold shoulder on the strobe light. "We're like the Rodney Dangerfields in the industry. We get no respect."

Maybe, but there are a lot of annoyed squirrels out there.

On the Trail of a Hot Story

Look in Sunday's paper (and online, of course) for the return of Answer Man, taking your questions about our region. This week: Was Washington really once an official hardship post for foreign diplomats?

My e-mail:kellyj@washpost.com

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