Avocado trees are extremely popular, but there is one pesky pest that may be coming to snack on their delicious fruit – squirrels. On one hand, they’re incredibly cute and furry, but on the other hand, they can be quite a nuisance as they tend to destroy flower and fruit crops, dig up soil and can even damage trees and other plants in search of a tasty meal. If only there were a way to keep them away from your avocado trees and keep them safe! Luckily, there are a few tips to deter these pesky critters from eating up all your delicious produce.
Defending your tree with physical barricades
One of the most effective ways to keep squirrels away from your avocado tree is to plant it in a physical barricade that’s designed to stop them from getting to the fruit. This could be something like a fence, netting, branches, or even burlap barriers. It’s important to choose a material that’s sturdy enough to withstand the pressure of a squirrel’s claws and strong enough to prevent them from being easily destroyed. You can also use a tree wrap or spiral wrap to protect the trunk of the avocado tree from their digging, gnawing, and scrapping.
Deterring the squirrels with different odors
Another way to keep those pesky critters away from your avocado tree is to use strong-smelling repellents. These repellents can range from smells that the squirrels don’t find pleasurable, like garlic, chili pepper, and vinegar, to smells that are more protective, like peppermint or citrus. You can also use deterrent sprays around the tree, which will make the squirrels’ noses itch and give them unpleasant sensations. Additionally, you can use a mixture of these repellents and create homemade deterrents that will make your tree less appealing to squirrels. One possible concoction is mixing water, pepper, and garlic and spraying it onto the branches of the tree.
Making use of visual deterrents
One of the most popular visual deterrents is the use of reflective surfaces like aluminum pans. Place these shiny items strategically in the yard and the reflection will confuse any squirrels that may be trying to make their way over to the avocado tree. You can also opt for more natural methods, such as placing pruned branches around the tree, which can help create a noise and a visual barrier for squirrels. Additionally, you can install a motion-activated sprinkler system that will startle them away when they come close.
Taking advantage of natural squirrel predators
Other natural solutions include creating a habitat for natural squirrel predators, such as cats, hawks, and owls. These predators can help keep the squirrels away by intimidating them, and they will also feast on any rodents that may be gathering around the tree. Apart from that, you can:keep the area around the tree clean, as this will make it much less attractive to the animals;put up bird feeders to distract the squirrels away from the avocado tree;and introduce natural predators that can help keep away any unwanted critters.
Finalizing the protection of your avocado tree
The last, and maybe most important, tip to keep squirrels away from your avocado tree is to keep an eye out for signs of an infestation. If you notice things like chewed leaves and fruits, scrapes on the trunk, missing or eaten nuts and seeds, or any other unusual signs, it’s time to take action. You can use baited traps to catch any squirrels, or opt for various store-bought deterrents. It’s important to keep up with your preventative measures, and stay vigilant against any other potential pests that may be trying to make a meal out of your delicious avocado tree!
Knowing the problems with other methods
Though there are a few methods of keeping squirrels away from your avocado tree, some of these methods can be dangerous or toxic. For example, using chemical repellents can be harmful to the environment, while using poison can be deadly to other animals. It’s important to keep in mind the potential risks of any method before implementing it to ensure that you’re keeping your tree and your yard safe. With any luck, the tips mentioned above will help keep those pesky critters away from your delicious fruit-bearing avocado tree!
Reaching a balance between decor and protection
It’s possible to make your yard look good while still being protected against squirrels or other pests. Invest in some bird feeders that can distract squirrels away from your tree, or create an outdoor garden with plants and flowers that will make the area more attractive while providing a natural food source for these critters. And if you’re worried about the aesthetic of physical barriers, there are plenty of different options that can still look great while keeping your tree defended, such as woven wire fences, trellises, or even ladders made from sticks.
Keeping the nearby area free of clutter
It’s important to make sure that the area around your avocado tree is free of debris and clutter, as this can often attract pests. Clean up any fallen fruit or nuts, old branches, leaves, or other debris as this can become a nice snack for squirrels, which may lead to an infestation. Trim any branches that are close to the ground or are touching other trees and plants to give yourself an extra layer of defense.
Making use of the right supplies
If you’re serious about protecting your avocado tree, it’s important to invest in good quality products. Opt for sturdy physical barriers that are designed to deter rodents and other pests, and purchase repellents that are safe and designed to work against squirrels. You can also purchase motion-activated lights that can be used to confuse and startle the squirrels away from your tree. Investing the right supplies can go a long way in protecting your avocado tree and keeping your delicious produce safe from those pesky critters!
