How to Keep Birds Away from Your Fruit Trees: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Fruit trees are a valuable asset to any garden, but they can be vulnerable to damage from birds. Birds love to feast on ripening fruit, and they can quickly destroy a season’s harvest. Fortunately, there are many effective ways to keep birds away from fruit trees and protect your precious fruit.
Understanding Fruit Tree Pest Control
The best way to protect your fruit trees from birds is to start before the fruit ripens. Trapping, netting, and repellents are all common methods of fruit tree pest control.
Trapping Birds
Trapping is an effective way to remove birds from your property, especially blackbirds and starlings. Set traps early in the season, before the fruit starts to ripen. Bait the traps with water and food that birds find attractive, such as birdseed or fruit scraps. Once you capture the birds, you can release them far away from your fruit trees.
Bird Netting for Fruit Trees
Bird netting is a physical barrier that prevents birds from reaching the fruit on your trees. Use netting that is about 5/8-inch (2 cm.) in size to keep birds out. Support the netting with wire to keep it away from the fruit and prevent damage.
Chemical Repellents for Fruit Trees
Chemical repellents can be effective in deterring birds from your fruit trees. Methyl anthranilate is a common chemical repellent that birds find distasteful. Hinder is another option that can be diluted with water and applied to your trees. Reapply repellents after heavy rain.
Electronic Fruit Tree Bird Protection
Electronic bird deterrents emit sounds that frighten birds and keep them away from your fruit trees. These devices are a humane and effective way to protect your fruit.
Choosing the Right Method
The best method of fruit tree bird protection for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Trapping is a good option if you want to remove birds from your property. Netting is a physical barrier that can prevent birds from reaching the fruit. Repellents can deter birds from landing on your trees. Electronic devices emit sounds that frighten birds away.
Additional Tips
- Harvest your fruit as soon as it ripens. This will give birds less time to damage your fruit.
- Store your fruit in a secure location. Birds can’t get to your fruit if it’s not accessible.
- Be patient. It may take some time to find the right bird protection method for your needs.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can effectively keep birds away from your fruit trees and protect your harvest. With a little effort, you can enjoy fresh, delicious fruit from your own trees all season long.
