Squirrels ate my squash and melons! (growing, trees, tomato, vegetables)
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I'm in the Denver, CO area. We have big squirrels here (they look like Jersey grey squirrels on 'roids with bad dye jobs), and they have ruined a lot of my squash and melons. My garden this year was purely experimental, but I'm wondering what I can do to cut down on the little suckers' depredations next year, besides get a BB gun. I was thinking netting maybe?
One of them actually PICKED a 5-pound spaghetti squash from the vine that I was going to harvest that day, dragged it a little way and then gnawed on it for a few bites before ditching it. I was pretty ticked!
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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They ate everything in my garden the first year here. We have eastern grey squirrels that are not native, and they are just bushy-tailed rats. For several years I made a pen with top and sides out of a plastic screen with 1" squares so bees could get in and that solved the problem but it limited the number of plants. Now I have a greenhouse with that same screen on the door and windows, and have no more problems with them, dear, or rabbits.
They are eating the fruit off my trees everyday. You can't win. Even is you could shoot 50; they would invite 100 to the funerals! Unfortunately; many think they are cute and love to feed the squirrels. They probably get the lion's share of the deer corn that is sold every year. When they eat well; they multiply fast, very fast!
I used to love to grow corn in a small garden. Every time you think to yourself you will pick that ear tomorrow; the squirrels beat you to it! We have ducks and if we keep the duck food too close to the outside walls of the duck's cage; the squirrels will tear apart the wood frame. They destroy many wooden birdhouses - I presume to get at the bird eggs?
We are always happy for the fall hawk migration! Squirrel season also helps!
Several years ago we had a picture garden, everything was just perfect. Then we had squirrels start showing up and with both of us working daylight to past dark we didn't do more than just pick the ripe stuff and water. Well we looked at the cabbage growing in a row and didn't much pay attention, hey, we could see it. Well when the time to pick it came we found that they had ate the backside of every one of them!.....
My feeling is that we are creating this nuisance. We buy countless tons of bird and deer food (squirrels get the lion's share of the bounty). Squirrels multiply like rabbits when the food is available. Then, when some people figure out that they have created a problem; they stop feeding. Of course squirrels are smart and are not just going to starve to death; if they have an option. That is where our gardens come in - everything looks great to hungry squirrels!
Well, you all are going to hate my hubby. He rarely does anything since retiring but the one thing he does do is feed the squirrels in our Portland, Oregon neighborhood. He buys 50 lb. bags of peanuts and walnuts. He's built a ramp out of lattice so they can come right up to the window and be fed from his hand while he watches TV. I'm constantly sweeping shells off the patio and walkways. I can't go outside without nuts on me or they will attack. I'm 70 years old and weigh 110 lbs. Once, one of these critters nearly knocked me over. It climbed right up my panty hose as I was rushing off to church. I screamed and swatted at the bugger, lost my balance and he jumped off, ran just out of kicking range, stopped and looked at me like he was offended. Hubby just laughed. I keep thinking one of these days I'm going to lose it and yell, "It's me or those squirrels." But, I'm afraid after 50 years of marriage he'd choose them.
I wouldn't begrudge them a tomato or two, if they'd eat the whole thing. But they steal the fruit, take it up onto a tree or fence post, take a few bites, drop it, and then steal another one.
I wouldn't begrudge them a tomato or two, if they'd eat the whole thing. But they steal the fruit, take it up onto a tree or fence post, take a few bites, drop it, and then steal another one.
What really get's you angry is that squirrels know when to pick your fruit and vegetables. If you are in your garden today and say (to yourself): I think I will pick that one tomorrow - it will not be there tomorrow! The little pest are always one step ahead. Now, if we could only train them to do their share of the garden chores?
It's too bad that the Fall hawk migration waits until the Fall!
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Squirrel season also helps!
