I have a dwarf apple tree. Last year it looked like a great year. I thought I had 50 apples on the way. In mid-June the squirrels found them and in two weeks they were gone.
This year I have a bird’s nest in the tree and no squirrels. Looks like the birds defend their nest and repel squirrels protecting apples too (at least for now).
I wonder if a bird house could be an effective squirrel repellent to protect fruit trees?
We don’t have squirrels in Phoenix. But, from what I’ve seen elsewhere, they are very clever. If the birds are working, go with it. Maybe provide a bird bath to attract more birds to your yard?
Also, if you can’t beat the squirrels any other way, maybe set up a squirrel feeder to keep them sated so they won’t bother with your tree(s). Path of least resistance.
Doubtful this would work…more food availability = more babies.
Mike
Someone suggested a pellet gun. Someone a trap and relocate. Another suggested netting. If netting is too fine, I think you keep out pollinating insects like bees. So less fruit. Has to be large enough mesh. At least half inch.
Wish me luck. So far the apples are surviving.
I do have a bird bath but on the other side of my quarter acre.
Yeah, possible. I know from Mark Rober’s videos that keeping squirrels out of something is challenging. My first thought was a cat. But they might also attack the bird nest (probably would). If there were no nest, a cat would deter squirrels (or kill them if they were foolish enough to tread on a cat’s territory).
If birds deter them, then make the area more attractive for birds.
I have two indoor outdoor cats neutered but with claws. They occasionally bring in a baby squirrel but so far no adults. They do not climb trees for bird nests but can get at the beams under my deck where birds sometimes build nets. Baby rabbits and voles are most common prey. Had one adult rabbit. Don’t know how they did that.
I think squirrels are too fast for the cats. And mostly live in the trees and go from tree to tree on their branches.