Squirrels, those adorable, bushy-tailed creatures, are a delight to watch as they scamper around your yard. But when they start eyeing your fruit trees as their personal buffet, it's time to take action. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive and humorous approach to outsmart these furry fruit thieves and protect your precious trees.
Understanding Your Furry Foes
Before we dive into the strategies to protect your fruit trees, it's important to understand why squirrels are so attracted to them. Squirrels are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and meat. However, their diet primarily consists of plant food, and fruit trees are like a five-star restaurant for them.
Moreover, squirrels are opportunistic feeders. They will eat whatever is readily available and easy to get. Your fruit trees, with their juicy, sweet fruits, are an easy target. Understanding these habits can help you devise effective strategies to protect your fruit trees.
The Squirrel's Diet
Squirrels love a variety of fruits, including apples, peaches, plums, and cherries. They also enjoy munching on the bark of trees and will even eat young shoots and buds. This not only deprives you of your fruit harvest but can also damage your trees.
However, squirrels are not all bad. They also eat insects and fungi, which can help control pests in your garden. But when they start causing more harm than good, it's time to take action.
Strategies to Protect Your Fruit Trees
Now that we understand why squirrels are so attracted to your fruit trees, let's look at some strategies to protect them. These strategies range from simple deterrents to more complex solutions, but all aim to outsmart these clever creatures.
Remember, the goal is not to harm the squirrels but to deter them from your fruit trees. After all, they are just trying to survive, just like us.
Use Squirrel Deterrents
There are several squirrel deterrents available on the market, from sprays to electronic devices. These deterrents work by either creating a smell or sound that squirrels find unpleasant.
For example, capsaicin, the compound that gives chili peppers their heat, is often used in squirrel deterrent sprays. Squirrels dislike the smell and taste of capsaicin, making it an effective deterrent. However, be careful when using these sprays as they can also deter beneficial insects and birds.
Install Physical Barriers
Physical barriers, such as netting or tree collars, can be an effective way to protect your fruit trees from squirrels. Netting can be draped over the tree to prevent squirrels from reaching the fruits, while tree collars can prevent them from climbing up the trunk.
However, squirrels are agile climbers and can easily bypass these barriers if they are not properly installed. Therefore, it's important to ensure that the barriers are secure and cover all possible entry points.
FAQs
What fruits do squirrels like?
Squirrels are not picky eaters and will eat almost any fruit. However, they seem to have a particular fondness for apples, peaches, plums, and cherries.
Do squirrel deterrents harm squirrels?
Most squirrel deterrents are designed to deter, not harm, squirrels. They work by creating a smell or sound that squirrels find unpleasant. However, it's always a good idea to check the product information before using any deterrent.
Can I use a live trap to catch squirrels?
While it's possible to use a live trap to catch squirrels, it's not recommended unless you are experienced in handling wildlife. Incorrectly handling a squirrel can lead to injury for both you and the squirrel. Instead, consider hiring a professional wildlife removal service if the problem persists.
Conclusion
Outsmarting squirrels and protecting your fruit trees can be a challenging but rewarding task. With a bit of understanding, some clever strategies, and a dash of humor, you can turn your garden into a no-squirrel zone. Remember, the goal is not to harm the squirrels but to deter them from your fruit trees. After all, they are just trying to survive, just like us.
So, arm yourself with these tips and get ready to outsmart those furry fruit thieves. Your fruit trees will thank you!
