Types of Squirrels
As much as you may love or hate squirrels, you must understand the different types of squirrels, what they look like, and how they behave to help keep them out of your cherry trees. Generally, the red, grey, and fox squirrels are the most common varieties found in gardens and parks across the United States. The red squirrel is the smallest of the three, about ten inches in length and red, grey, or brown in color. It is often seen near bird feeders and running along telephone wires, and it will quickly strip backyard fruit trees of their leaves, as well as nuts and seeds. Grey squirrels are larger, and they have distinctive grey and white coloring, with a bushy, black tail. Fox squirrels have a reddish-brown, grey, and black coat, and are said to be the largest of the three varieties.
Methods to Deter Squirrels
The most effective way to keep squirrels out of your cherry tree is by using physical barriers. Netting and homemade cages can be used to protect the tree and prevent squirrels from climbing it. If the tree is surrounded by a low fence, it will be difficult for the squirrels to access it. There are also various commercial products available to cover the tree’s limbs, such as bird netting and cone-shaped plastic or wire cages. To make sure the squirrels don’t find a way around your fence, you can use aromatic deterrents such as garlic or red pepper to keep the squirrels away from your tree. You can also use some squirrel repellents which will discourage them from eating from your tree.
Using Traps
Another effective way to keep squirrels out of your cherry tree is to trapping them. Trapping squirrels can be done using single traps or multiple traps. Depending on the age and size of the squirrel, the most appropriate trapping method can be selected. When using traps, make sure they are situated a few feet away from the tree and in a well-lit area. Bait the traps with nuts, seeds, or fruits, and make sure they are secure to avoid trapping a pet. It is important to check the traps frequently and release the squirrels at least 300 yards away.
Exclusion Techniques
If trapping is not an option, excluding squirrels from your cherry tree is another efficient method. Exclusion techniques involve providing an unpleasant experience for the squirrels when they come near your cherry tree. A few common techniques are sound deterrents, water deterrents, and taste deterrents. Common sound deterrents include radios, bells, and whistles which can make loud noises when the squirrels come close to the tree. Water deterrents involve using sprinklers and motion-activated water guns to spray water at the squirrels. Taste deterrents use strong smelling and sour tasting food such as garlic, pepper, and cayenne to dissuade the squirrels away from the tree.
Protection with Predators
Predators, such as owls and hawks, are also an efficient way to keep squirrels away from your cherry trees. These predators hunt squirrels and other small animals, and can be effective in deterring squirrels from your tree if they are present in the area. You can attract owls and hawks to your backyard by putting up birdhouses or providing them with a source of food. Hawks can also be used to scare away squirrels by having someone fly a model aircraft in flight patterns similar to a falcon or hawk.
Using Repellants
Using repellants is another popular way to keep squirrels out of your cherry tree. Repellants can be either chemical or natural and they work by creating an unpleasant odor that the squirrels find unappealing. Popular chemical repellants include sprays, dusts, and granules which can be applied to the tree trunk, branches, and leaves. Natural repellants, such as ammonia, vinegar, and human hair, can be more effective but may require more frequent refills. Repellants can also be used in conjunction with physical barriers such as cages and netting to provide an extra layer of protection for your cherry tree.
Planting Deterrents Nearby
Another effective way to keep squirrels out of your cherry tree is to plant deterrents near it. Certain species of plants and vegetables, such as garlic and hot peppers, are known to act as natural repellants for squirrels, and can be planted around your cherry tree. Additionally, you can also add some plants that are specifically adapted to deter squirrels such as tulip or daffodil bulbs and honeysuckle shrubs. These plants will release a scent that the squirrels find unpleasant, and they will steer clear of your cherry tree as a result.
Eliminating Other Sources of Food
Finally, eliminating other sources of food in your yard is also critical to keep squirrels out of your cherry tree. If squirrels can find an easier source of food, such as bird feeders, garbage cans, or fallen fruits, they will prefer that to your cherry tree. Therefore, it is important to keep your yard free from food sources that the squirrels may find attractive, or at least make them inaccessible to the squirrels. You can also increase the population of squirrel predators such as owls, hawks, cats, and snakes to further deter the squirrels.
Protective Barriers Exclusion Techniques
Protective barriers to exclude squirrels, such as cages and netting, are effective ways to keep them out of your cherry tree. Nets can be used to create an impenetrable barrier around your tree, and cages can be used to block easy access. If the tree is surrounded by a low fence, it will make it more difficult for the squirrels to climb it. Repellants, such as granules and sprays, can be used in combination with protective barriers, to create an unpleasant environment for the squirrels near your tree.
Traps and Predators
Traps are an effective way to control the squirrel population near your cherry tree, but it is important to remember to check the traps frequently and release the squirrels at least 300 yards away from the tree. Predators, such as owls and hawks, can also be useful in controlling the squirrels. You can attract these predators to your backyard by providing them with a source of food or putting up birdhouses. Model aircrafts can also be used to scare away the squirrels.
Planting Deterrents
Planting deterrent plants, such as garlic and hot peppers, around your cherry tree is a natural way to keep squirrels away. Tulips, daffodils and honeysuckle shrubs are also specifically adapted to deter squirrels and can be used in conjunction with protective barriers and traps.
Food Sources
Lastly, it is essential to eliminate other sources of food in your yard, such as bird feeders, garbage cans, and fallen fruits. This is an important step in preventing squirrels from accessing your cherry tree. Additionally, you can increase the population of squirrel predators such as owls, hawks, cats, and snakes to further deter the squirrels.
