Squirrels are the bane of many apple tree owners. Although cute, these furry animals are skilled tree climbers and can quickly eat all the apples off a tree. Homeowners can take steps to protect their apple tree from these little marauders.
The most effective way to keep squirrels away from an apple tree is to keep the tree enclosed by a fence. The fence should be at least six feet high, and attach securely to wooden posts or to the tree trunk.
Another way to deter squirrels is to wrap chicken wire around the trunk of the tree. Chicken wire should be wrapped around the trunk with at least one foot between the wire and the tree trunk, and be taut enough that when a squirrel attempts to climb the trunk, its claws will not be able to get a grip.
Coyote urine can also be helpful; it can be found at most pet stores. The urine should be sprayed around the base of the tree, and should be done weekly to keep the scent strong and effective.
Motion detector activated noise machines can also be used. When the motion detector is tripped, these machines emit loud, startling noises that will scare off any squirrels that may be lurking nearby.
Nylon netting can also be used to keep squirrels away from the apple tree. The netting should be placed over the entire tree, and should be taut enough that a squirrel will be unable to climb it.
Finally, a squirrel baffle can be installed. This is a metal cylinder that fits over the trunk of the tree and is designed to prevent squirrels from climbing up the trunk.
Additional Protection
In addition to the aforementioned methods, there are additional steps that can be taken to keep squirrels away from apple trees. One such method is to wrap the branches of the tree in foil. The light reflecting off the foil will scare away the squirrels.
Birds of prey can also be used to help keep squirrels away from apple trees. Owls, hawks and falcons can be trained to watch the tree and scare away any squirrels that come too close.
Moth balls can also be used. The strong scent of the mothballs will keep any squirrels who come near the tree away. The mothballs should be placed around the trunk of the tree, and should be replaced when the scent is no longer effective.
Squirrels are also less likely to approach an apple tree if it is located in an open, bright area. If possible, the tree should be located in a spot that receives direct sunlight and is away from any large trees or bushes that could provide squirrels with easy access to the tree.
Finally, squirrels are easily distracted by food. Placing a squirrel-friendly bait such as apples, peanuts or other nuts near the tree can draw away potential predators and keep them from reaching the apples.
Additional Deterrents
Additional deterrents can be used to keep pesky squirrels away from an apple tree. One of these methods is to hang long strings of foil or ribbons from the branches of the tree. The reflections from the foil or the movement of the ribbons will scare away the squirrels.
Cellophane can also be used to help keep the squirrels away. The cellophane can be draped around the branches of the tree and secured with tape or string. The reflection and movement of the cellophane will also deter squirrels from approaching the tree.
Cayenne pepper can be a powerful deterrent for squirrels. The pepper can be mixed with a bit of water and sprayed around the base of the tree. The smell and taste of the pepper will keep the squirrels away.
The use of ammonia can also be helpful. Ammonia has a strong odor and taste that will deter squirrels from approaching an apple tree. The ammonia can be mixed with water and sprayed around the trunk of the tree.
Bitter apple spray is yet another effective deterrent. This type of spray has a strong taste that will prevent squirrels from attempting to climb the tree. The spray should be applied to the trunk, branches, and leaves of the tree.
Finally, air horns can be used to scare away any squirrels that may be lurking near the tree. The sound of the horn will be loud and sudden enough to make the squirrels scurry away.
Ultrasonic Deterrents
Ultrasonic deterrents can also be used to keep squirrels away from an apple tree. This type of deterrent uses high-frequency sound waves that are only audible to animals. The sound waves will be imperceptible to humans, but will be strong enough to keep the squirrels away.
Motion activated sprinklers can also be used. When the sprinklers sense movement, they will spray a stream of water that will surprise and frighten any squirrels who attempt to climb the tree.
Nontoxic pellets can also be a deterrent. The pellets can be scattered around the base of the tree, and their unpleasant taste will deter the squirrels from approaching the tree.
Motion activated lights can be used as well. When the light is activated, it will temporarily blind the squirrels, preventing them from attempting to climb the tree.
Finally, predator decoys can be used to keep squirrels away. These decoys can be placed near the tree and will scare away any squirrels that come too close.
Exclusion Devices
Exclusion devices such as squirrel guards can also be used to keep the squirrels away from the apple tree. These guards are wide, flat metal plates that fit around the trunk of the tree and prevent the squirrels from climbing it.
Another option is to install tree trunk wraps. These wraps are made of tightly woven nylon material and fit snugly around the tree trunk. The tight weave of the fabric will prevent the squirrels from getting a good grip and allow them to quickly fall off the tree.
Another option for keeping squirrels away from an apple tree is to install a squirrel baffle. This is a metal device that fits around the trunk of the tree and keeps the squirrels from reaching the branches.
Tree collars can also be used. These collars are made of metal and fit around the base of the tree trunk. They are designed to prevent squirrels from climbing up the trunk and reaching the branches.
Finally, a tree wrap can be installed. This wrap is made of metal and is designed to wrap around the trunk of the tree. It is form-fitting and will prevent the squirrels from getting a good grip and climbing up the trunk.
