Question:
How can I keep the squirrels from eating every single pecan from my trees?
Hardiness Zone: 9a
CC from Texas
Answer: CC,
As with your inquiry on how to prevent birds from stealing your figs, the best and most effective solution, at least in the short term, might be to set up some food and water stations for the squirrels during a period when your pecans are maturing. Peanuts and black-oil sunflower seeds can be bought inexpensively in bulk from a feed store and offered as a temporary distraction. It isn't legal to shoot squirrels in Texas for the purpose of removing them from the garden. Live trapping and relocation might work temporarily, but just like extermination, it won't solve the problem long term. Each squirrel occupies a specific niche in the food chain. When one animal is removed, an opening is created and more resources are temporarily available to the rest of the population. Sooner or later (usually sooner) another squirrel will simply come in and stake a new claim on the newly available resources.
In the same way netting will keep birds out of your fig tree, it should work on keeping squirrels out of your pecan tree. You might also consider wrapping your tree's trunk with a metal baffle and trimming any branches growing near neighboring trees, power lines or buildings, to make it harder for squirrels to access your tree. If you have a dog, give him some water and shelter and stake him near your tree during the day.
Good Luck!
Ellen
About The Author: Ellen Brown is our Green Living and Gardening Expert. Click here to ask Ellen a question! Ellen Brown is an environmental writer and photographer and the owner of Sustainable Media, an environmental media company that specializes in helping businesses and organizations promote eco-friendly products and services. Contact her on the web at http://www.sustainable-media.com
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RE: Keeping Squirrels from Eating Pecans
no neither can I... I find people do far, far more damage to EVERYTHING than animals. Seriously, like the other poster, we have had squirrels on and around and even as a rescue, one for 2 yrs in the house and we have never had a problem either
Posted on 07/08/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Keeping Squirrels from Eating Pecans
I've been feeding the squirrels & chipmunks for yrs. & yrs. & never had a problem. I can't imagine a law that allows murdering animals on your property. That's disgusting. For the pecan problem: http://www.gardeners.com/Bird-Netting/default/16319.prd
Posted on 07/05/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse
RE: Keeping Squirrels from Eating Pecans
I know this does not sound nice, but my husband shoots them in the months that have the letters ~er~. Ga. law & maybe else where too. I know squirrels are cute to many, but we had electric problems one day. The E/co., sent out men to help.
They noticed all the squirrels, and told us to shoot them, they cause many house fires. The lives of children and adults not to mention the elderly that can't help theiselves.
Squirrels cause Attic Fires.
Posted on 07/01/2006 | Report Spam or Abuse
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