How to Keep Squirrels from Eating Your Fruit
How to Stop Squirrels From Eating Fruits
Summer is the time for fresh, juicy fruits. But if you have squirrels in your yard, you may find that they’re more interested in your fruit than you are. Squirrels can be a nuisance, and they can quickly eat all of your hard-earned produce. But there are a number of ways to keep squirrels from eating your fruits.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most effective methods for deterring squirrels from your fruit trees and bushes. We’ll also provide tips on how to protect your fruit from other pests, such as birds and raccoons. So if you’re tired of sharing your fruit with the squirrels, read on for some helpful advice.
| Method | Effectiveness | Tips |
|—|—|—|
| Cover fruit trees with bird netting. | High | Squirrels can’t reach the fruit if they can’t climb the tree. |
| Install a squirrel baffle on your bird feeder. | Medium | Squirrels won’t be able to reach the bird feeder if they can’t climb the pole. |
| Use a motion-activated sprinkler. | Low | Squirrels will learn to avoid the sprinkler after a few scares. |
| Place mothballs around your fruit trees. | Low | Squirrels don’t like the smell of mothballs, but they’ll get used to it over time. |
| Use a repellent spray. | Medium | Repellent sprays can be effective, but they need to be reapplied regularly. |
| Trap and release squirrels. | High | This is the most humane way to get rid of squirrels, but it can be time-consuming. |
How to Stop Squirrels From Eating Fruits?
Squirrels are a common problem for many homeowners, as they can damage property and eat crops. If you have a fruit tree or bush in your yard, you may be particularly concerned about squirrels eating your fruits. There are a number of things you can do to prevent squirrels from eating your fruits, including:
Prevention
The best way to prevent squirrels from eating your fruits is to keep them out of reach. This means picking fruits as soon as they ripen and storing them in a secure location. If you have a fruit tree or bush, you can also try to deter squirrels by using deterrents, such as cayenne pepper or ultrasonic devices.
Keep fruits out of reach
The most effective way to prevent squirrels from eating your fruits is to keep them out of reach. This means picking fruits as soon as they ripen and storing them in a secure location. If you have a fruit tree or bush, you can also try to prune the branches so that the fruits are not as accessible to squirrels.
Use deterrents
If you cannot keep fruits out of reach, you can try using deterrents to keep squirrels away. There are a number of different deterrents available, including:
- Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is a natural repellent that squirrels do not like. You can sprinkle cayenne pepper around the base of your fruit tree or bush, or you can spray it directly on the fruits.
- Ultrasonic devices: Ultrasonic devices emit high-pitched noises that are inaudible to humans but can be very annoying to squirrels. You can place ultrasonic devices around your yard or near your fruit trees or bushes to deter squirrels.
- Squirrel-proof cages: Squirrel-proof cages are a physical barrier that prevents squirrels from reaching your fruits. You can purchase squirrel-proof cages online or at your local garden center.
Install fencing or netting
If you have a fruit tree or bush, you can install fencing or netting around it to prevent squirrels from climbing up and eating the fruits. Fencing should be at least 4 feet tall and should be made of a material that squirrels cannot chew through, such as metal or chicken wire. Netting should be at least 6 feet tall and should be made of a fine mesh that squirrels cannot fit through.
Removal
If you have tried prevention methods and you are still having problems with squirrels eating your fruits, you may need to remove the squirrels from your yard. There are a number of ways to remove squirrels, including:
- Trapping: Trapping is the most effective way to remove squirrels from your yard. You can purchase squirrel traps online or at your local hardware store. Once you have caught a squirrel, you can release it in a new location away from your home.
- Scare tactics: You can also try to scare squirrels away from your yard using loud noises or motion-activated sprinklers. Loud noises, such as banging pots and pans or using aversive sounds, can startle squirrels and make them less likely to come back. Motion-activated sprinklers can also be effective at deterring squirrels, as they will get sprayed with water when they approach your yard.
- Repellents: You can also try using repellents to keep squirrels away from your yard. Repellents can be made from natural ingredients, such as cayenne pepper or peppermint oil, or they can be purchased from your local hardware store.
Squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are a number of things you can do to prevent them from eating your fruits. By following the prevention tips above, you can keep your fruits safe from squirrels and enjoy a delicious harvest.
Prevention
The best way to keep squirrels from eating your fruits is to prevent them from getting to them in the first place. Here are a few tips:
- Pick fruit as soon as it ripens. Squirrels are more likely to eat fruit that is ripe and ready to eat. If you pick fruit as soon as it ripens, you can reduce the amount of time that it is available to squirrels.
- Cover fruit trees with netting. Squirrels can climb trees, so covering fruit trees with netting is a great way to keep them from getting to the fruit. You can use a variety of different types of netting, such as bird netting or garden netting.
- Install a squirrel-proof bird feeder. Squirrels love to eat birdseed, so if you have a bird feeder in your yard, it is likely that squirrels will be attracted to it. Installing a squirrel-proof bird feeder can help to keep squirrels away from your fruit trees.
- Use deterrents. There are a number of different types of deterrents that you can use to keep squirrels away from your fruit trees. Some common deterrents include ultrasonic devices, motion-activated sprinklers, and cayenne pepper.
Repellents
If prevention methods are not enough, you can try using repellents to keep squirrels away from your fruit trees. There are a number of different types of repellents available, both natural and commercial.
- Natural repellents
- Garlic: Squirrels hate the smell of garlic. You can make a garlic spray by mixing garlic cloves with water and spraying it on your fruit trees.
- Cayenne pepper: Squirrels also hate the smell of cayenne pepper. You can sprinkle cayenne pepper around the base of your fruit trees or make a cayenne pepper spray.
- Peppermint oil: Squirrels don’t like the smell of peppermint oil. You can spray peppermint oil around your fruit trees or place cotton balls soaked in peppermint oil on the branches.
- Vinegar: Squirrels don’t like the smell of vinegar. You can spray vinegar around your fruit trees or place a bowl of vinegar near the trees.
- Commercial repellents
There are a number of different commercial repellents available that can be used to keep squirrels away from fruit trees. Some common commercial repellents include:
- Squirrel repellents: These repellents are specifically designed to keep squirrels away from fruit trees. They typically contain ingredients that squirrels find unpleasant, such as capsaicin (the active ingredient in cayenne pepper) or garlic.
- Bird repellents: Bird repellents can also be used to keep squirrels away from fruit trees. These repellents are typically made with ingredients that birds find unpleasant, such as shiny objects or plastic owls.
Solutions
If prevention and repellents are not enough, you may need to contact a professional pest control company to help you get rid of the squirrels. A pest control company can use a variety of methods to remove squirrels, such as trapping, live trapping, and exclusion.
Squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are a number of things that you can do to keep them from eating your fruits. By following the tips in this article, you can enjoy your fruit trees without having to worry about the squirrels.
How do I stop squirrels from eating my fruit?
There are a few things you can do to deter squirrels from eating your fruit.
- Install a squirrel-proof bird feeder. Squirrels are attracted to the same types of foods as birds, so a squirrel-proof bird feeder can help to keep them away from your fruit trees.
- Cover your fruit trees with bird netting. Bird netting is a lightweight, mesh material that can be used to cover fruit trees and prevent squirrels from reaching the fruit.
- Install a motion-activated sprinkler. A motion-activated sprinkler can be used to deter squirrels from entering your yard. When the sprinkler detects movement, it will spray water, which will scare the squirrels away.
- Use deterrents. There are a number of commercial products available that can be used to deter squirrels from eating fruit. These products typically contain scents or sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels.
- Trap and release. If all else fails, you can try trapping and releasing the squirrels. This is a humane way to remove squirrels from your yard, and it will also help to prevent them from returning.
What are some other ways to keep squirrels out of my yard?
In addition to the methods listed above, there are a few other things you can do to keep squirrels out of your yard.
- Keep your yard clean and free of debris. Squirrels are attracted to food and shelter, so by keeping your yard clean and free of debris, you can help to discourage them from coming around.
- Secure your trash cans. Squirrels are very good at getting into trash cans, so make sure to secure them tightly so that they can’t get into them.
- Install a fence. A fence can be a very effective way to keep squirrels out of your yard. Make sure the fence is at least 4 feet tall and that there are no gaps that squirrels can fit through.
- Use deterrents. There are a number of commercial products available that can be used to deter squirrels from entering your yard. These products typically contain scents or sounds that are unpleasant to squirrels.
What if I already have squirrels in my yard?
If you already have squirrels in your yard, there are a few things you can do to remove them.
- Trap and release. This is a humane way to remove squirrels from your yard, and it will also help to prevent them from returning.
- Call a pest control company. A pest control company can help you to remove squirrels from your yard quickly and effectively.
- Live with them. Squirrels are not dangerous animals, and they can actually be beneficial to your yard by eating insects and acorns. If you don’t mind having squirrels in your yard, you can simply leave them alone.
What are some common mistakes people make when trying to keep squirrels out of their yards?
There are a few common mistakes people make when trying to keep squirrels out of their yards.
- Not using the right deterrents. Some deterrents are more effective than others. It’s important to use a deterrent that is specifically designed to deter squirrels.
- Not using enough deterrents. Squirrels are persistent creatures, and they may not be deterred by a single deterrent. It’s important to use multiple deterrents in order to increase your chances of success.
- Not being patient. It takes time for deterrents to work. Don’t give up if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep using the deterrents, and eventually the squirrels will get the message and leave your yard alone.
Squirrels can be a nuisance, especially when they eat your fruits. However, there are a number of ways to keep them from doing so. By following the tips in this article, you can enjoy your fruits without having to worry about squirrels.
- Use physical barriers. Netting, chicken wire, and other barriers can keep squirrels out of your fruit trees and gardens.
- Install deterrents. Motion-activated sprinklers, ultrasonic devices, and other deterrents can scare squirrels away from your property.
- Make your property less attractive to squirrels. Remove food sources, keep your yard clean, and trim tree branches so that squirrels can’t easily climb them.
By following these tips, you can keep squirrels from eating your fruits and enjoy a bountiful harvest.
Key Takeaways
- Squirrels can be a nuisance, but there are a number of ways to keep them from eating your fruits.
- Physical barriers, deterrents, and making your property less attractive to squirrels can all be effective methods of squirrel control.
- By following these tips, you can enjoy your fruits without having to worry about squirrels.
Author Profile
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I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.
I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.
Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.
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