Preventing squirrels from ruining a harvest of fruit is always a challenge for fruit growers. Squirrels (Scuiridae) can eat or damage all types of fruits, including citrus. Although no permanent solution for keeping squirrels away from vegetables is known, some deterrents work better than others. Because squirrels learn rapidly, the optimal solution is to work with varying methods, switching them often to help prevent the wily creatures from figuring out ways around them.
Traps
One of the best approaches to prevent squirrels from eating fruits is to remove the animals through trapping or baiting. Baited kill or live traps must be put along known squirrel avenues for the best results. Trapping has its own set of complications, however, because releasing live squirrels is illegal in some areas and killing them is illegal in different places. Trapping and baiting also require one or even a professional to lure, trap and dispose of their squirrels properly without damaging different types of creatures. Additionally, if you remove one squirrel, another may take its position. Assess your place’s laws to learn whether it is legal to trap, bait, kill or release squirrels. Always wear heavy duty gloves and other protective clothing when handling divers.
Wraps
Wrapping your fruit trees from plastic, small-holed netting or deer fabric will keep squirrels from their fruits. Anchor the cover to the trees by using clips, clothespins or delicate ties, and shut all of slits along with other holes through which squirrels could slip. Trim the trees’ limbs so they are away from objects can use to jump on the trees. Two disadvantages to wrap fruit trees are high winds, which can loosen the wrap stuff, and squirrels’ ability to chew holes in the material, giving them entryways to the fruits.
Metal Barrier
A hanging, 2- to 3-foot-long sheet metal collar set closely around each fruit tree’s trunk can prevent squirrels from climbing the back. This method is effective only when squirrels do not have an alternate method to get into the trees. Hang each metal collar so its top is at least 6 feet above the ground, out of squirrels’ leaping range. Drill holes in the cover of the metal heels, screw soft ties through the holes and then use the ties to hang every single collar from its tree’s limbs. Do not attach the steel collars to trees by driving screws or nails into the trees’ trunks. The metal collars should be removed following the fruit harvest.
Hanging Objects, Sprays and Coatings
Hanging shiny or brightly coloured objects like old compact discs, windsocks or wind chimes from the branches of your fruit trees will keep squirrels away. Squirrels are relatively smart, nevertheless, and will quickly bypass these solutions when they realize the items won’t hurt them. Hanging the objects from ornament hooks allows you to change the objects readily. Try switching the sort of hanging objects every few days to slow the squirrels’ learning curve. Coating a tree’s trunk and lower limbs with oil jelly mixed with hot pepper powder or oil makes the tree surface shiny for squirrels to grip. Additionally, predator scent and capsaicin sprays implemented regularly can discourage roaming squirrels; they may have to be implemented after rainfalls. Before handling or using coatings and sprays containing capsaicin, put on clothing which will protect your eyes and skin from the irritation capsaicin can cause.