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View Full Version : Will banana bags keep out vermin?


Strongcl
12-03-2019, 10:16 AM
I live in the Florida keys, and this is the 2nd bananas on my Nam Wah. First were fine, latest have been attacked by iguanas, raccoons, or squirrels. At least those are the ‘usual suspects’ for this area.

I searched this forum, but couldn’t find anyone talking about using bags to protect bunches still on tree. I see some for sale from Australia, but would prefer to not pay those shipping costs.

Thanks

Charlene

Mikemooreflorida
12-03-2019, 07:21 PM
i'd imagine a thick but fine mesh bag would be a better option for you.. maybe something like the sack the potatoes come in from grocery stores? will let air in but make it hard for vermin to eat them?

Nicolas Naranja
01-07-2020, 04:13 PM
They will keep vermin out to an extent. I use frost cloth, which comes in a variety of weights. I use a very thin weight fabric to maximize light penetration. Obviously if something really wants to get in, good luck.

pitangadiego
01-07-2020, 07:12 PM
Most critters can and will chew through most anything short of metal, depending on how interested they are in what is being denied them.

crazy banana
01-09-2020, 10:34 PM
http://www.bananas.org/f310/banana-solar-bags-bunch-protection-47540.html
I can share the Australian solar bags if interested. The price is still $5 per bag plus the actual cost of USPS Priority Mail shipping.

Art_R
01-11-2020, 07:29 PM
I live in the Florida keys, and this is the 2nd bananas on my Nam Wah. First were fine, latest have been attacked by iguanas, raccoons, or squirrels. At least those are the ‘usual suspects’ for this area.

I searched this forum, but couldn’t find anyone talking about using bags to protect bunches still on tree. I see some for sale from Australia, but would prefer to not pay those shipping costs.

Thanks

Charlene

Charlene,

I have a squirrel problem in my yard in Ormond Beach. They thought my banana plants were a buffet. My solution is an extreme measure, but IT WORKS. I made a bag out of a roll of window screening from the hardware store. The vermin have not gotten a single banana inside the bag !!!

Art R

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=65720&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=65720)

Nicolas Naranja
01-11-2020, 08:23 PM
I hadn't thought about it, but most mammals will not eat things that have been sprayed with cayenne pepper.

Iowa
01-11-2020, 08:48 PM
[QUOTE=Art_R;328704]Charlene,

I have a squirrel problem in my yard in Ormond Beach. They thought my banana plants were a buffet. My solution is an extreme measure, but IT WORKS. I made a bag out of a roll of window screening from the hardware store. The vermin have not gotten a single banana inside the bag !!!

Art R

Not too extreme at all, whatever it takes. Save the Banana's! The bag looks good.

Art_R
01-11-2020, 09:11 PM
I hadn't thought about it, but most mammals will not eat things that have been sprayed with cayenne pepper.

I tried habanero extract mixed with water sprayed onto my bananas. Didn't work for me. The squirrels still chowed down on my bananas!!!

Akula
01-12-2020, 12:41 AM
I bag my bunches with giant clear trash bags from HD. Loosely tied at the top and open at the bottom. Squirrel was able to get into the top part of the bunch and made a mess of the top hand or two.

I like the window screen protection developed by Art. Might give that one a try next year.

beam2050
01-12-2020, 08:40 AM
Charlene,

I have a squirrel problem in my yard in Ormond Beach. They thought my banana plants were a buffet. My solution is an extreme measure, but IT WORKS. I made a bag out of a roll of window screening from the hardware store. The vermin have not gotten a single banana inside the bag !!!

Art R

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=65720&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=65720)

I like it too. chain mail for bananas. pretty slick

Iowa
01-12-2020, 09:31 AM
I hadn't thought about it, but most mammals will not eat things that have been sprayed with cayenne pepper.

Including people LOL, every time I use a spray deterrent it rains and dilutes it out.

bananimal
01-16-2020, 09:58 AM
My Min-Pin can spot anything in the backyard that is messing around in the banana and mango areas. He runs straight to the critter and will kill it if hangs around. Greatest watchdog there is!!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57345&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=57345&ppuser=820)

His name couldn't be more appropriate ---- MAX!!!