Protecting Fruit Trees from Squirrels: Exclusion and Population Management

Why Repellents Fail

Squirrels face a choice: starve or tolerate bad taste. Hunger wins. Pepper sprays on nets contaminate fruit and wash off.

Effective Exclusion

1. Isolate the tree: Trim branches ≥6 ft from fences, roofs, other trees.
2. Trunk barrier: Wrap trunk with 2-ft wide aluminum flashing 4–5 ft up. Smooth metal prevents climbing.
3. Netting: Use ½-inch mesh bird netting over a frame—not draped on tree.

Population Reduction (Legal & Humane)

• Check state laws—relocation is often illegal and inhumane.
• Lethal trapping (snap traps, #110 Conibear) where permitted.
• Electric fence wire on fence top (consult retailer for safety/legality).

Resources

ICWDM Tree Squirrel Guide – comprehensive, research-based control methods.

Exclusion is the most reliable, sustainable solution for fruit protection.