Do you have squirrels in your garden and you are wondering how to keep squirrels out of fruit trees?
I bet you have tried many things but have been unsuccessful. It can be quite hard to keep them out of your fruit trees.
Keep reading as I will share the best methods to keep them out of your fruit trees.
How to Keep Squirrels Out of Fruit Trees?
The best way to keep squirrels out of fruit trees is to use multiple methods to repel them such as motion sensor water jets, fake predators, traps, nets and pruning the fruit tree.
The best way you can keep the squirrels away is to use a motion sensor water jet, you can check them out on amazon.
People having fruit trees, squirrels are their number one enemy. They are able to destroy all the fruits from a tree in just a few days and I guess some of you have also experienced that.
8 Ways To Keep Squirrels Away From Fruit Trees
There are many ways which you can use like the organic repellents, water jets, fake predators, creating an alternate food source, trapping them, or even killing them.
To keep squirrels away from fruit trees use 3 to 4 methods listed below
- Water Jet
- Traps
- Fake Predators
- Squirrel Baffle
- Prune Branches
- Netting
- Alternative Food Source
- Poison
Below I will go into more details about the above methods:
1. Use Water Jet
The best thing with these water jets is that they contain motion sensors, and therefore, when they detect a rodent-like a squirrel in your garden, it attacks that animal with a hot water jet.
[youtube v=”wItHytj9BDs”]
If you are seriously thinking about a waterjet I highly recommend the Orbit 62100 Yard Enforcer Motion-Activated Sprinkler with Day & Night Detection Modes is the best product available which keeps these animals away from your gardens through a non-dangerous spray of water.
It has a distinctive day and night detection which offers 24*7 protection against animals raiding your garden or fruit trees. It also has a sensor technology for battery conservation and optimal use of water thus avoiding wastage of water and energy.
2. Traps
Catching them is also one of the best options you have against them. There are many high performing traps out there that work extremely well.
When catching squirrels, you are going to need baits that attract them. Peanut butter, oranges, nuts, seeds can work well as bait.
Just place a few traps near the fruit trees, and soon, you’ll catch squirrels. In a few days, you’ll able to trap all the squirrels.
For a trap I use Havahart 1079 Large 1-Door Humane Animal Trap is a great product in this line.
It has a spring-loaded door for safe catches and the door is made of rust-resistant wire with steel augmentation for long durability and maximum resistance against corrosion and also facilitates quick and safe entrapment.
The strong doors and the steel mesh also protect the animals during transportation. It is a large cage with the dimensions of 32x12x10 inches and perfect for a secured and harmless catch.
3. Fake Predators
Let me tell you the truth.
At first, I thought, “Hey, placing a fake owl or some fake snakes will be useless. It will not scare even a single squirrel.”
Still, I have never used it.
But, I was surprised to see that, a lot of people are purchasing these fake animals.
Why?
Because they really work.
You just have to change their positions after every few days, so that they look natural, and they will keep scaring them away.
Nowadays, you can easily afford a fake owl with a rotating head that looks very natural. Just place one or two near the fruit trees.
Fake snakes are cheaper than owls. Buy a couple of natural-looking snakes, and hang them on different branches so these rubber snakes will scare them even if the squirrels managed to climb on your fruit tree.
4. Squirrel Baffle
There are thousands of people using squirrel baffle and they are very happy because baffles do the job perfectly.
[youtube v=”MwH30DAQttQ”]
It becomes very difficult for squirrels to pass through a baffle.
But, if you have a fully grown tree has a very thick trunk, then it becomes very difficult to find a baffle for that.
There is no problem if the trunk is thin, but if it’s very thick, you may have to make a custom baffle by yourself.
Squirrels can jump up to 4 feet, so make sure, you place the baffle above this height.
5. Prune Branches
By pruning your fruit trees branches you are making it more difficult for the squirrel to climb the tree.
The tree will also be smaller in size and this will offer the squirrels less hiding places than before.
6. Netting
For protecting fruit trees from birds and squirrels, netting is a very good method. It doesn’t hurt any bird or animal, and at the same time, it gives the ultimate protection.
But make sure, you cover a tree from all the sides. If you leave even a small window, these rodents will use it, and they will eat your fruits in a few days.
Squirrel nettings are quite common and easy to use which keeps protects your fruit trees without harming the animals. Among these, the above-mentioned netting is one of the best that’s available in the market.
This is a 3.5 inch netting that offers maximum protection by providing a barrier to your product like peaches on peach trees etc. in a harmless manner.
It’s very lightweight with a thick exterior which is strong enough to hold out against bad weather conditions throughout the year. It folds and unfolds very easily which makes it reusable every season.
7. Alternative Food Source
One of the best ways to keep the squirrel out of your fruit trees is by offering them alternative food and in that ‘Audubon Park 12243 Critter Crunch Wild Bird and Critter Food’ is the best choice.
This food for squirrels is an attractive mixture of nuts and seeds which keeps the squirrels away from fruit trees while offering them substitute means of nutrition.
This feed includes ingredients like corn, peanut pieces, sunflower seeds, etc. and it can be fed to many other animals except squirrels like a chipmunk, rabbits, etc. It is a great option available at a reasonable price.
8. Poison
Use squirrel poison as your last option.
If you can protect your fruit trees from squirrels by using other methods, then there is no need to kill them.
Using poison is also dangerous for pets and children, as they can get into contact with it unknowingly.
So, I’ll recommend that; do not use it unless you have tried each and every other method.
The Neogen 116300 Diphacinone Rodenticide Bait is an all-weather rodenticide that will keep away the squirrels from your gardens and fruit trees.
This product is wax-free for greater sustainability and palatability. It can be used both indoors and outdoors since there is no risk of contamination of food by using this.
Neogen uses food processing technology to create highly attractive baits for these animals. It can also be used in damp areas and they kill the rodents within a week after the bait is consumed. This product is very efficient if you are looking for a permanent solution.
How to Protect Fruit Trees From Squirrels
When you are attempting to protect your fruit trees from squirrels the first thought is usually to purchase a deterrent that is safe. Such products include:
- Ro-Pel
- Capsaicin
- Hot pepper oil
Topical applications that are sticky on trunks and branches will keep squirrels away as well. You may also try the strategies below that do not require adding any solutions to your fruit trees:
- metal collar around the tree trunk
- tree netting
- scare crows
- bird tape
- model owls
- electric distress calls
- hawk screeches from a speaker
How to Protect Peaches From Squirrels
Peaches are my absolute favourite fruit. Unfortunately, squirrels also love them. The pit is an added bonus for squirrels as well. It’s time to protect your peaches. Here are some tips:
- cover the peace tree with bird netting
- wrap the stem in aluminum foil
Alternatively you can repel squirrels with stronger scents such as:
- capsaicin
- white vinegar
- peppermint oil
- coffee grounds
- cinnamon
- predator urine
- garlic
- dryer sheets
- Irish Spring Soap
- rosemary
We like applying scare tactics on squirrels who are easily frightened. A large model owl is perched on a pole in front of the peach tree.
We also use bird tape that makes sounds when the breeze blows. These sounds frighten off squirrels.
How to Protect Fruit Trees From Birds
If you would like to keep birds away from your fruit trees, you can act in one of two ways:
- Guide and assist these birds to a better location with plenty of food and water.
- Repel, scare and and shoo these birds away.
Here are some methods to help with either of these choices:
- bird netting
- model owls
- ultrasonic repellents
- bird tape
- wind chimes
- windmills
- Draw eyes on balloons and tie them to the trees.
- Install a bird feeder away from the tree
- Install a bird bath away from the tree.
Encourage birds to feed and bathe in a safer and more appealing space where seeds and clean water are offered or scare them away so they will leave your property alone.
What Frightens Squirrels Away From Fruit Trees?
Squirrels are easily frightened by sudden noises and movements. They are also spooked when they see predators that are looming nearby.
Hawks and owls are known to prey on squirrels that are not careful enough. A jumpy squirrel will remember a hostile environment and steer clear of this area where real or possibly fake predators are located.
Use bird tape that makes screeching noises in the wind or install a model owl on or in front of the fruit tree. A classic scarecrow may work or use ultrasonic devices that screech out sounds or mimic the sound of a hawk to scare squirrels as well.
Final Words
Using one method against these squirrels may not be enough. You have to use more than one method to deal with them.
Follow these steps:
- Repel them away with organic, chemical or electronic repellents from your fruit trees.
- Use water jet, fake owls & snakes to scare them.
- Use traps to catch the smart ones.
- Use squirrel baffle so they can’t climb on the tree.
Thanks for visiting ThePestManagement.com for the best information to help you to make the pest control process easy, safe & affordable.
