pecan trees - what about squirrels?

[ut engr]

I'm afraid I know the answer - that I'm SOL.

But, aside from a 24-hour guard watch, how can I keep a few pecans for my family? Any tricks of the trade?

 

[K-Man]

We only get pecans every other year, typically. On the years we do get pecans, there are PLENTY to go around for us, the squirrels, the rats, the dog, the neighbors, etc. That is from just one tree (~50 yrs old). I've never done anything to keep the squirrels away.

I knew a guy who hated them so much he would shoot them and put them in the trash. Damn his trash stunk. I have had bbq squirrel, but it's not that great IMO.

 

[ut engr]

Kman - thanks -you bring up a good point. Our tree is only about 10 - 15 years old. Its got a long way to go yet.

Its just frustrating to see all those pecans early in the season, and have nothing left but chewed up shells at the base of the tree by the end of the season.

 

[pmg]

I had a neighbor who'd kill them with a pellet gun and put the meat in the freezer.

You need a dog.

 

[ut engr]

if I could just get my golden retriever to climb the tree and eat those little f**ers I'd be set!

 

[mojo mofo]

Squirrels need tasty nuts, too.

 

[sapo1495]

Have you tried the metal band around the tree? I've seen them about a foot high. The squirrels can't get any traction and can't climb the trunk. It won't help much if they can jump to the tree from another tree or your house. (fried squirrel is good)

 

[scalisti]

I only joined this forum to respond to these posts. I love squirrels. I agree they can sometimes be a problem, but I don't believe in killing them. The humane barrier on the tree usually works. I think we can all learn to live with these wonderful creatures, and share pecans with the squirrels. They need nuts to survive, and pecans are only a commodity for humans. Just my 2 cents.

 

[JOSEYWALES66]

Have any of you seen a squirrel Flinger? It's a board put on the side of a tree and it has a spring mechanism on it. Bait is placed on one side of the board. When the squirrel gets on the board, the weight of the squirrel triggers a release of the spring and the squirrel is catapulted about 20 feet.

They are sold on the internet but I couldn't find a direct link.

It doesn't get rid of the squirrels but it is funny as hell.

 

[jmatt]

I suggest a pellet gun and ....


These

 

[Durkee]

Squirrels are freaking RODENTS, and nobody feels bad about killing rats. I have 3 pecan trees in my yard, and very seldom get any pecans off of them b/c of the squirrels.

 

[Jamez]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[BattleshipTexas]

rats with bushy tails.

 

[YeaTexasFight]

wow...that video is indeed wrong...but hilarious. Looks to be nothing more than a skeet thrower.

 

[Squirrel]