People ask me why I’m a vegan. One easy answer: I love animals. There are other reasons (the environment, health, my derrière), but it’s all summed up in this: I love animals. But I have a confession. There is one animal I hate.
I used to be rather ambivalent about squirrels. Until I moved into this house. You see, I’ve always wanted a house with lots of trees…and that’s what I got. Counting the coniferous evergreens lining our fence in the back, we have around 30 of them: elm, honey locust, evergreens, and sugar gum trees. And one, 50-year old oak. (That’s the one that draws those little critters in.)
I’m sure you’re thinking, “What’s the big deal with squirrels and trees?” Now I’ll let you in on the problem. We have some trees that really matter to me: namely fruit trees.
Look at these succulent peaches in the making.
They look like little court jesters with jeweled collars. Do you see the fuzz forming on those little babies?
When I moved into this house I dusted off my copy of Martha Stewart’s Gardening: Month-by-Month. I bought this book long before I had a house with fruit trees and room for a garden, but I dreamed of the day when that would happen. What do they say? Watch what you wish for. (Who are “they” anyway?)
I’ve got the house that has it all. Peach trees. Pear trees.
Do you see those two baby pears? Simply divine!
Peach Trees. Pear Trees. Plumb Trees. It’s like a little slice of heaven – what more could I ask for?
When I first moved into this house they told me this was an apple tree and I dreamed of the apple pies I would make. The trees hadn’t been cared for in quite some time, so after a day of pruning with Martha (Her book gives directions on how to prune various kinds of trees), I went to bed. And I woke up startled in the middle of the night with the word “Aplomb” on my mind. At 3 in the morning I couldn’t even remember what that word meant so I looked it up. To paraphrase, aplomb means having confidence in the face of uncertainty. My life had its fair share of uncertainty and I liked the idea of Providence reminding me at 3 in the morning to face these uncertain times with confidence!
It wasn’t long after that I started taking a closer look at this curious “apple” tree. The fruit it was bearing didn’t really look much like apples. And then one day I realized it was actually a plum tree. Divine providence wasn’t given me encouragement; my subconscious green-thumb gardener was trying to tell me that this tree was “A Plumb” tree! A plum. Aplomb. It all sounds very similar.
I could tell you more about my yard, but I have to stop here for now. It’s all my heart can take. Because I took these pictures of our fruit trees just last week. These precious little fruit buds will turn into larger fruit soon. But we won’t be eating any of them. That’s right. The squirrels get them ALL! They begin their attack before the fruit is even ripe. They tear the fruit from the tree, take one bite and throw them to the ground. Every single one of them! Each year I’ve tried different approaches to saving the fruit, but each attempt has been in vain. Last year we even wrapped some of the fruit in bird netting.
Squirrels don’t have opposable thumbs, but they’re definitely dexterous and tenacious; and they’ve got time on hand to squirrel away. A wicked combination. The bird netting slowed them down an hour or two, but they eventually worked their way through each peach, plumb, and pear in the yard. It’s maddening!
I have more to write on these evil little critters. I could tell how they dig up my freshly planted flowers, eat my tomatoes, and destroy my hopes for a Martha Stewart gardening kind of life.
My name is Marly. I am a vegan. I love animals. I hate squirrels. There I said it. Is there any help for me?
Maybe there is a squirrel relocation program in your neighborhood? Perhaps you could humanely trap them and then drive them to the next county? Wear a pair of those glasses/big nose/mustache combo things so no one can trace them back to your property. It’s worth a shot. Otherwise, you may be forced to use more drastic, harmful-to-squirrel measures. It is, after all, your yard. No furry critters have come forth and volunteered to make a mortgage payment have they? Therefore, you are entitled to evict unwanted creatures. Martha would approve.
April 26, 2010
10:30 am
I wonder if I write to Martha if she would give me some advice? I’ll let you know how that goes. In the meantime, a squirrel relocation program is a good idea. Do you think we should give them a new name too?
April 26, 2010
10:55 am
Oh Marly, No! Squirrels are so cute. We have lot of trees around here like lychee, mango, avocado and plenty of citrus. I never notice that the squirrels do much damage, and I actually eat the fruit unlike most . Strange-maybe it’s natural for squirrels to like pomme and stone fruit, hmm?
By the way, I know I’ve already said something similar, but your blog is very inspiring. I used to be a vegetarian and then a vegan. I still eat that way mostly, but I do delve into the carnivorous realm sometimes (this week has been bad since I was trying to make other bloggers food and such).
I’m trying to get back to being a strict vegetarian with vegan weeks, so I’ll be here often…
April 26, 2010
10:49 am
Don’t worry. I could never hurt them. And from time-to-time we find a dead one in our yard and I always feel bad for them. See what a confused soul I have? You raise a good point – I wonder if they’re after the seed which is why they eat the fruit before it’s even ripe. To make matters worse? My neighbor has an apple tree. They don’t even care about it. They never pick the fruit. The squirrels don’t even seem to notice that darn apple tree. OK. I’m taking a deep, cleansing breath.
On a more positive note – I’m so glad you’ve found the site helpful. I love being vegan! We really do eat a lot of great food. Over the weekend we had piza! Stay tuned for my post on that soon. We. Make. The. Best. Vegan. Pizza. EVER!
April 26, 2010
11:25 am
Your pup doesn’t scare them off?? Mine do!
This post made me smile Marly. You’re too funny! If you hate squirrels never ever go to Atlanta Zoo… The squirrels there aren’t afraid of people… They’ll come sit on the bench with you. It’s really creepy! Like the squirrel version of “The Birds” or something.
Sorry you won’t be having apple or pear pie… Guess you’ll have to take a trip to the store.
Also, I’m curious. You’re vegan, but what do you think about wheat and corn and such? I’m always on the look out for good spelt recipes!
April 26, 2010
11:39 am
The squirrels in our yard are a little more clever than that. They know the dogs can’t follow them up the trees. They actually taunt our dogs. Drives them crazy! Or after awhile they just ignore the squirrels.
We eat corn and wheat. The only things we avoid are meat, eggs, milk, and cheese. I also try to use agave nectar instead of honey. I don’t have any recipes for spelt. In fact, I’ve never tried it. If you find something you like, let me know. I’d like to give it a try!
April 26, 2010
10:46 pm
Those pesky squirrels! What a shame! I feel your pain. Maybe Martha has a cure for ridding them from your yard.
(Brown rice will work in the pudding – I actually used half white and half brown. I suppose I should make a note so everyone knows.)
April 26, 2010
12:13 pm
Thanks. It’s good to know I’m not alone in this. I really hope someone can help. I’m willing to share some of the fruit with the squirrels. I’d just like to have some of it!
April 26, 2010
10:47 pm
Marly,
Cayenne pepper mixed with water and a little oil (spices are soluable in both oil and water) heat, simmer a couple of minutes. Cool the mixture add a surfacant like biodegradable dish soap helps it stick, Add mixture to ortho dial and spray attatch to garden hose and spray down trees every couple days, more if it rains. Squirrels taste…..uh I mean don’t like the taste. You will need to play with the concentrations, just be sure to disolve mixture so that it will feed thru sprayer. Make it super strong and control the dilution on the sprayer.
Good Luck
Matt
April 26, 2010
9:59 pm
Matt – thanks so much! This is the first time I’ve felt hopeful in quite awhile. I may make a trip to Costco for a super big bottle of cayenne pepper. I hope it doesn’t flavor the fruit. Although I really love super spicy food, I don’t know if anyone else would want to eat my peach cobbler. Hmm, that would mean more cobbler for me! Bring on the cayenne!!
April 26, 2010
10:49 pm
Ahaha this is too funny, no worries I love animals too and I think squirrels are like rats with a tail – well they’re rodent so I guess they’re related. well you hate squirrels but you wouldn’ hurt them so that’s ok. That is allowed even for a vegan. I hate snakes and bats. Well think that squirrels need to eat so they’re eating on your fruits and veggies. As humans we have invaded all animal habitat so those guys have to go somewhere.
April 26, 2010
11:17 pm
I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who feels animosity toward squirrels. I’m definitely willing to share with them, but they seem to want it all! Selfish creatures! I’m going to try Matt’s prescription this summer and see if that works. If not, next year I think we’re going to move. It’s to hard seeing trees full of lovely fruit and not being able to have any of them. Thanks for your encouragement!
April 27, 2010
7:02 am
Oh Marly!
I love your blog…I’m trying to incorporate more vegan cuisine in my life (I’m a vegetarian) and your posts are inspiring! But I must admit…I am a huge squirrel lover. My husband gave me a squirrel candle for my birthday that I just adore. But now that I think about it…maybe its just the idea of squirrels and not the animals themselves that I love. Either way, great blog and fun post!
April 27, 2010
3:53 pm
Kristen mentioned something about a squirrel relocation program, so I have about 20 I could send your way if you’d like! Just be prepared – they eat fruit from trees, fruit from vegetable plants (can you say tomatoes?), and more. They love to dig up planted flowers – like the ones I plant in baskets. They also mangle any decorative pumpkins you put out in the fall – including the carved variety (we wait to put our jack-o-lanterns out until the last minute).
Lots of blogs give away prizes, but none that I know of give away squirrels!
April 27, 2010
4:22 pm
Yeah, I understand your frustration and hope Matt’s tip works. Barring that, as an extreme measure, would you consider removing the oak? I mean I’d never harm an animal, but I’d fight for my garden too…
April 27, 2010
4:23 pm
Hmm, that’s an interesting suggestion. My mom has hinted around at this too. It is a beautiful old, oak tree. I’ll have to take a picture and post about it. But your suggestion does merit some thought. Our yard could use a little less shade. Did I just say that? I love shade! But it makes it hard to find a spot to grow things that require a lot of sunshine. And it is close enough to the house that there are some limbs branching out over the roof. Finally, my hubbie hates how the oak tree dribbles its leaves throughout the winter which requires constant raking.
You all are great! I love these suggestions. I’ll keep you posted on how this progresses.
April 27, 2010
4:29 pm
Marley, you are too funny. My parents have fruit trees, I am trying to remember what they used to do to keep the squirrels away. Sounds like you have tried everything, if I can remember I will be sure to let you know.
April 28, 2010
6:07 pm
Oh, I haven’t tried everything. I found a site online with some ideas that honestly scared me! As much as I hate these little guys, I don’t want to hurt them either. But I have tried a lot! I think this summer I’m going to use Matt’s advice (cayenne pepper spray). I’ll keep everyone posted on how that goes. If you find out what your parents did, let me know!
April 29, 2010
6:34 am
Hi, Marly–
Did the cayenne-pepper-in-ortho-sprayer work?
Please give us the mixture of cayenne/oil/soap/water you have tried.
This year my peach trees are trying very hard. (I live in Austin, Texas.) I’d love to save just a few from the squirrels or possums or whatever gets them.
I’m even considering buying pantyhose and putting them over the limbs to protect the fruit–but I don’t know if that would stop a squirrel.
May 6, 2010
6:34 pm
Hi Tom
I haven’t tried making the serum yet. My fruit hasn’t yet reached the point where the squirrels are interested. I have seen them perching on the trees, so I know they’re getting ready. I’m heading up to Home Depot this weekend to buy the sprayer and will be making my first batch of squirrel serum next week. I’m definitely going to post about it, including the exact recipe.
I used bird netting last year and that didn’t help. You think pantyhose would work? Squirrels have such sharp teeth. I’m thinking about sitting in the yard with this cayenne serum in a water gun and spraying the squirrels every time they get in the fruit tree. But then would I have time to post? Aggghhh. It’s so hard to decide. Let’s continue to compare notes!
May 6, 2010
9:49 pm
If you saw an injured pregnant squirrel in your yard, would you bring it to a nearby animal hospital?
I’m a vegan and PETA supporter, with fruit trees under attack by squirrels. This year, odd spring weather caused very low fruiting in the area, and the squirrels are going after everything possible, as soon as possible, since their preferred food sources are in low supply. They already ate all my baby pears and are currently eagrly eatting the apples as never before, since so little is available elsewhere.
So I look at it this way: squirrels are rodents, same as rats. They are infested with fleas and often with ringworm and other nasty diseases. Home Depot sells stuff that eliminates rodent infestations, and that stuff is beginning to look like a serious option to consider.
Nothing can end the squirrel problem, since they have bred to fill every possible habitable nook and cranny in America. And even if they are all “gone missing” in some location, new ones quickly flow back in from adjoining areas; since they breed to a population size to fill all space available. That’s why “relocation” is a joke and fool’s errand.
But, that Home Depot rat-remedy stuff looks tempting. And if I used it, I think I would love every bite of every fruit harvested, and never feel a bit of guilt. Not one iota!
And besides, I’m sure the neighbors’ kids would like it if their Jack-O-Lantern’s were not quickly eaten from the inside-out but those ever ravenous rodents.
Who are the real terrorists who threaten us? It’s the squirrels!
August 6, 2010
8:58 pm
[...] I don’t love squirrels. Bitter bile builds up in my system at the mere sight of them. They stand for everything I’m [...]
August 18, 2010
9:49 am
Hi Marly,
I have a family of squirrels who are slowly eating all my Fuji apples that I have been waiting for all summer! They will not be ripe until the end of the month and I don’t want to lose them all. I only have 8-10 left, so I googled “Help! Squirrels are eating all my apples!” and your site came up under the results. I feel your pain! One other site that came up had the idea of putting moth balls in the branches. Here’s the page: http://mgonline.com/articles/squirrel.aspx
I’m not sure if it will work, but I sure hope so!
Thanks for the post!
Dayna
October 6, 2010
2:22 am
Oh Dayna, I don’t know what to tell you except that I feel your pain! It is so hard to watch the squirrels ruthlessly gobble up every last bit of fruit and leave you with nothing. Well, honestly, what hurt even worse is that our squirrels didn’t actually eat all the fruit. They destroyed the fruit to get to the seeds inside. I had hundreds of pears in my trees and didnt get to eat even one of them! My hubby thinks I’m crazy, but next year I’m thinking about building a little chicken wire cage to go around some of the fruit. Sort of like a rabbit cage. Have you seen those? I’ve tried everything else – mothballs, hot pepper spray, I even wrapped netting around the fruit. None of it worked. I have a neighbor who told me he shoots the squirrels in his yard to try and save his pecans from his two HUGE pecan trees. He says that doesn’t work either. I was so relieved to hear that didn’t work because I’m certain I couldn’t do that. Others have told me to try and give them alternate sources of food like corn or seeds to keep them occupied. I don’t think that will work either. I think chicken wire is the only answer! Please let me know how it goes!
October 6, 2010
9:51 am
I thought of something. How about mixing up a very very strong solution of salt water and spraying it onto the tree? The salt should crystallise on the leaves, branches and fruit, making the squirrel’s paws salty and the fruit too. Salt seems harmless to all concerned. Just make sure you use a very high concentration of it to really make the stuff unpalatable. And after all, it’ll wash right off the fruit!
Let me know if that works.
vaijanthi@gmail.com
November 26, 2010
6:07 am