Protecting Fig Trees from Birds, Ants, Squirrels & Other Pests and Animals
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- čas přidán 17. 07. 2024
- Growing fig trees requires a significant amount of effort throughout the season, from watering to fertilizing. But the real challenge often emerges at the harvesting stage when a range of pests, from squirrels and birds to fruit flies and ants, target the fruits. The key to preventing these pests from ruining your harvest is to start early before they even become aware of the fruit as a food source.
For birds, nets are the most effective deterrent. However, it's crucial to ensure the holes are small enough so birds don't get trapped. Reflective materials and bird scare devices can also keep them at bay. Ground animals like squirrels can be kept out by using chicken wire fences around the tree. When dealing with ants, products like Tangle Foot, which is a sticky substance, can be applied on tin foil wrapped around the tree trunk to trap them. For fruit flies and wasps, the trick is to ensure that no rotten fruit remains on the ground or on the tree. Using traps and other preventive measures can also go a long way in ensuring a pest-free harvest.
Introduction (0:00):
Emphasized the importance of protecting fig fruits after the hard work of tending the fig tree throughout the season.
Detailing methods (00:33):
Talked about the inevitability of critters being attracted when food is grown in nature, especially if not managed properly.
Prevention (01:09):
Highlighted the importance of timely harvesting to avoid attracting pests, suggesting prevention is better than cure.
Bird defense (02:10):
Advocated for using nets, especially the more expensive types, to prevent birds from accessing figs. Also mentioned potential challenges of birds getting stuck.
Organza bags (03:11):
Introduced the method of using organza bags for individual fruit protection.
Reflective devices (03:46):
Suggested using reflective materials like CDs, streamers, or bird scare devices. Additionally, noted that light-skinned fig varieties are less attractive to birds.
Ground animals (04:20):
Recommended using chicken wire fences around fig trees to keep out ground animals, especially squirrels.
Trapping methods (05:29):
Introduced the WCS trap and other methods for capturing or deterring squirrels and similar pests.
Ant prevention (06:35):
Presented Tangle Foot as a solution against ants, which should be applied on tin foil or paper wrapped around the trunk, not directly on the bark.
Alternative methods (07:14):
Suggested using duct tape with the sticky side out to deter ants and possibly slugs.
Fruit flies and wasps (08:26):
Emphasized the importance of removing rotten or fermenting fruits to prevent attracting these pests.
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Zone 7A - Greater Philadelphia - Jak na to + styl
Hi Ross, love your videos. This isn't really on topic, but I was wondering if I could send you a picture of a tree I have. Bought it from a local mom and pop garden store here in central NJ, and neither they or I have any idea what it is. It currently has one fig on it near ripening, and additionally has kind of a unique leaf shape. Was hoping maybe its something you'd have a better guess for
I had an issue with squirrels and bought the spherical repellants online. Dropped a bunch around my trees and it kept away not only the squirrels, but also the ants! We forget how scent based insects are, so strong, unpleasant smells will keep them away in general.
What product did you use?
Never heard of these! Sounds interesting.
Yeah what did you use?
Sorry guys, every time I try to post about it, the post gets deleted or doesn’t come through. Not sure why.
Have you ever used bird scare tape and if so does this work?
Wonderful! But in hot climates, the figs inside the organza bag often die, probably due to poor ventilation. It is better to use bags made of a less dense mesh - "17 mesh" or "25 mesh". And of course, insect traps.
Is janice seedless fig the same variety as marylane seedless fig ?
It is!
What do you do about deer? They’ve been chewing up my figs inside the organza bags. I come out and see my figs smashed up inside the bag on the ground.
You need a large fence for deer!
A spray mix of peppermint oil/garlic/egg/cayenne pepper-hot sauce will keep them away.
The deer around my neighborhood are eating leaves and semi ripe figs before I can even get a organza bags on. 😢 Then towards the end of the season they will eat the younger brown and tender green growth. My hydrangea and hosta are completely gone.
You need a large fence for deer!
My husband worked with this guy that traps squirrels and eat them.
I have problem with possums and rats. Couldn't control it.
PLEASE 'lock' your auto-focus... it is annoying to have to ignore your out-of-focus footage on almost every video you produce. We want to concentrate on what you are saying. I've written you a minimum of three times asking you to lock your focus - it's so easy to do. Thanks Ross... love your channel!