Nancy

Hi, everyone. I'm new to the forum (obviously). I came across the site because I'm having problems with squirrels eating my banana trees, which were beautiful in previous years and now can only manage to produce occasional fractional leaves. It's a sad sight to see. Anyway, I Google searched for "banana squirrel," and your forum popped up. Apparently I am not alone and/or imagining things.

Anyway, I planted three varieties of banana several years ago and enjoyed it so much that I added two more varieties last year. I currently have:
Rojo (which surprised me by fruiting last year)
Raja Puri (which produced its first flower just a few days ago)
Ice Cream (which flowered last fall)
Cavendish (almost surely dwarf cavendish; it's never fruited)
Delightful Mystery Banana (we thought we were buying Orinoco, but clearly this was mismarked. It's very tall and fairly sturdy, and it's fruited reliably for several years. I like it a lot, but I have no idea what it is.)

Nice to (virtually) meet you all.


Nancy

Chironex

I might suggest something we used to keep bats out of our boathouse. Get some nicotine sulphate from the drugstore or online. Make a solution with water and try spraying this on the leaves and in areas where the squirrels cros over to your bananas. It makes a bad taste to them. You may also try using capsaicin - the active ingredient in pepper sprays.

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Scot


"Grow 'em if ya got 'em!"

Dean W.

Welcome to the forum, Nancy! Sounds like you have a nice collection.

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Dean

stumpy4700

wouldn't the capsium burn the leaves?

mskitty38583

my suggestion:
get a cat. they will keep out the mice, squirrels, birds, and snakes. and will even eat grasshoppers, but then again this a suggestion from someone named: mskitty. lol. hot prpper sprays will work till it rains. you could try using mothballs around the nanas too. btw....welcome to the org. lots of great info here the people are nice, and the bananas are always fresh.lol

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WELCOME TO THE GATOR NATION
"kokomo" beach boys:

Nancy

I just can't commit squirrel-murder. Capcaicin is an interesting idea, though. At the moment we're getting hard rain every day (and we need it -- I'm not complaining), so this is not the appropriate time. Also, I've seen in the past that the quantities of squirrel damage and rainfall are inversely related, so maybe my troubles are over. (Hey, I can always hope.)

Nancy

Chironex

Nope, not in the least. It is used in many pet "stop chewing products" and is harmless to plants. The burn is actually a taste sensation and we feel it due to our nerves being sensitive to it. It can be quite diluted too and still be effective.
If you are still skeptical, just squirt a small test patch on one of the lowest leaves and wait a few days to check for any reaction. I would suggest spraying it on the underside of the leaves to keep it there longer in the case of rain. Be careful not to get it in your eyes when spraying though - it is the active ingredient in pepper spray self defense products.

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Scot


"Grow 'em if ya got 'em!"

Kylie2x

Hey and Welcome..Sorry to hear about the squirrels...There are several non chem. tricks not sure if the work(I would be making stew)
Dog hair,human hair,heavily scented chuncks of soap , motion detector that activate a radio or lights.. or preditor urine which you can buy in the hunting section of most stores.Best of luck!
Here is a link for some other organic recipes...
Organic Recipes - DirtDoctor.com - Howard Garrett - The Dirt Doctor


I look forward to seeing you around...
Kylie

ladybug825

I'm pretty new here, but I can say you'll really get lots of great info and help here.
Welcome!

Debbie

lorax

Welcome aboard!!!



Please post some pics in your gallery; it sounds like you have a lovely collection.

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I speak for the trees.