With summer just around the corner, and warm weather here, you can expect your fruit trees to bloom their delicious yields any day now; that is, if they already haven’t! Unfortunately, you are not the only one waiting for those sweet, juicy fruits; rodents, especially rats, also love to pillage fruit trees, leaving you with “slim pickins’.” If you have noticed in recent years that your fruit trees seem damaged and bare come early-to-mid summer, it could be a pest problem. This season, try some protecting your fruit trees from pesky rats before they can destroy them.
Continue reading to learn some tips that can help stop rats from damaging fruit trees.
Environmental Modifications
The first step is to make certain changes to your exterior property so that there is nothing left to attract rodents. Rodents are attracted to two primary things: food and shelter. If you eliminate all food sources, such as pet bowls, garbage cans, squirrel feeders, bird baths, and more, you can help thwart rodent activity. Similarly, eliminating nesting areas, such as log piles, compost boxes, and openings to patios and garages, can also help stop rodent activity. Furthermore, you need to remove anything that allows rats to climb to the tree tops, including large, overhanging branches, and vines.
Tree Pruning
Pruning your trees is an effective way to keep them protected from rodent interference. When branch and canopy growth are controlled, they do not reach other areas that could allow rats access. This includes rooftops to sheds and houses, garages, power lines, telephone poles, and more. If branches and canopies are not touching anything else, it is more difficult for rats to access the fruit.
Tree Positioning
If you are planning to plant new fruit trees in your yard, be sure to space them apart properly. Sufficient tree spacing is vital to prevent rats from running tree to tree and eating all the fruit. If you have already planted the trees, consider transplanting them, or applying another preventative technique.
Trunk Guards
You can install rat guards on the trunks of your fruit trees, which help reduce the traction underneath rodents’ feet. These guards are generally made from a sleek material, like tin or aluminum, which makes it virtually impossible for rats to climb. They should be installed around the trunk at the base of the tree after the tree has been trimmed.
Pest Control
If you have a consistent rodent problem on your property that is too out of control, you need professional pest control services. They will suggest and implement a wide range of solutions for your particular situation. Avoid using poisons or repellents near your fruit trees since these can contaminate your trees and possibly harm your health.