I just upvoted Allen E Hall’s answer to this question because I wholeheartedly believe him. Allow me to share my own story titled “Dad versus the Squirrels.”

At our family campsite, my parents had an unexpected visitor: a family of squirrels that had taken residence under their trailer. These mischievous critters managed to find their way in through a pipe used for wiring, causing havoc by chewing up wires and insulation. My dad tried various methods to deter them. He stuffed a can into the pipe while the squirrels were away, but they effortlessly chewed through it. Undeterred, he then placed another can filled with steel wool, but the squirrels proved their resilience once again.

In a moment of desperation, my dad came up with a fiery plan. He coated the outside of the can with Tabasco sauce. When the squirrels returned, one brave squirrel (probably the papa squirrel) resumed its chewing activities. Within seconds, it began a wild dance, running backwards in circles and dragging its chin on the ground—a clear indication that its mouth was on fire. The rest of the squirrel family looked on in disbelief at this spectacle. Shortly after, the entire family packed up and left.

However, their departure was short-lived. The very next day, an army of squirrels, over 20 red squirrels strong, gathered under my dad’s truck. They squawked and chattered in apparent anger. My mom, who has a fear and dislike of rodents, sought refuge inside the trailer, observing the unfolding drama through the window. The squirrel mob grew more agitated and then launched a furious charge en masse.

Now, have you ever been attacked by a mob of angry squirrels? Yeah, me neither.

So, what did my dad do? Without hesitation, he grabbed the nearest fire poker and began slapping the ground with wide arcs. The squirrel pack, startled by his brave display, lost their nerve and scattered, never to return. It seemed that all the squirrels from the campsite had come to their aid, attempting to intimidate, but they were successfully repelled.

Dad: 1, Squirrels: 0.

By the way, no squirrels were permanently harmed during this entire episode. My dad, a soft-spoken man with a great sense of humor, had a talent for storytelling. His rendition of this tale has brought laughter to many friends and family members who had the pleasure of hearing it. If it weren’t for my mom’s honest confirmation (she never fibs), one might suspect a touch of exaggeration.

Although we lost dad a few years ago, I have taken it upon myself to carry on his legacy by sharing his best stories. Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to pass along this memorable one.