Lemons on a tree can be eaten by several different types of creatures, including rats, insects, birds, and mammals. In most cases, the primary culprits are rats and insects. Rats may feed on the lemon’s outer flesh and leave the pit uneaten, while insects may take the entire fruit, including the pit. Both mammals, like squirrels and raccoons, and birds, like starlings and crows, may also feast on the lemon fruits, or even rob the entire tree of its produce.
Eating the lemons on a tree can occur for various reasons. Rats may be attracted by the sweet-smelling, juicy fruits. Insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale, can also be found in the buds, flowers, and leaves of the tree, and may eventually find their way to the lemon fruits. Birds and mammals will mostly be drawn to the visible fruits, as a treat.
To identify the type of critters that are causing the problem, the gardener must look carefully at physical signs and signs of damage, such as missing leaves or flower stalks, holes in the lemons, or tracks left by rats and squirrels. In addition, there may be evidence of what insects are causing the problem, such as yellow, smudged spots caused by aphids or a sticky, waxy substance coating the fruits, a telltale sign of scale.
Once the culprit has been identified, the gardener can take preventative action. Rat traps can be set to reduce their number, and exclusion netting can be used to discourage birds and mammals. For insects, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps can be used to address the issue.
A measure that is often recommended to deter pests is to remove any fallen or damaged fruits, as these may attract and provide an ideal breeding ground for an assortment of critters. Another method to consider is thinning the fruits, that is, hand-picking some of the fruits, allowing the tree to grow fewer, but healthier, lemons.
Rats and Insects
The most common culprits of eating lemons on a tree are rats and insects. Rats may have been attracted by the sweetness of the fruit and likely leave the pits behind. Methods for discouraging them can include setting to traps, as well as exclusion netting. Insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, and scale can often be found in other parts of the tree, such as the buds and flowers, and may eventually make their way to the fruits. To address an insect infestation, horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps may be used.
Animals
Mammals, such as squirrels and raccoons, as well as birds, such as starlings and crows may also enjoy feasting on the lemon fruits, or even rob the entire tree of its produce. To discourage them, exclusion netting may be used. Additionally, the gardener can thin their numbers by hand-picking some of the fruits. Removing any fallen or damaged fruits can also prevent them from becoming an attractive offering.
Prevention and Identification
To identify what type of critters are eating the lemons, the gardener must look carefully at physical signs and signs of damage. In addition to missing leaves or flower stalks, they must also look out for holes in the fruits, alongside the tracks left by rats and squirrels. Knowing what insects are causing the infestation can also be answered by looking for yellow smudges caused by aphids and a sticky, waxy coating left by scale.
Thinning Fruits
Thinning out the fruits, that is, hand-picking some of them, may also be a good way to reduce the numbers of pests drawn to the tree. This can also help promote healthier lemons, as the tree may be able to put more energy into fewer fruits. Furthermore, if fallen fruits are removed before they can attract pests, the issue may be resolved in the first place.
Exclusion Netting
Exclusion netting is a preventative method that can help reduce pests such as rats, birds, and mammals. They may be deterred by the physical barrier provided by the netting, with some settings opting for an electrical perimeter to make the fortress even stronger. This can be especially useful for gardens where there is a frequent presence of these critters.
Cleaning Up
Finally, the gardener must always take care to clean up their lemon tree and the surrounding area on a regular basis. This can include pruning away dead branches, tidying up any fallen leaves or fruits, and keeping the area around the tree weed-free. By tending to the tree in such a manner, the gardener can better ensure that the lemons are not eaten and that the tree will be in good health.
