Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

*As my m.'pink velutina' has just produced its first flower bud--also the first time blooming a banana for this northerner--has anyone ever had flower, fruit or plant attacked or damaged by animals? My main concern here in suburbia is squirrels, but in other areas the list could include chipmunks and deer.
The squirrels in my area are a pain in the rear, and forbid me from growing sunflowers and some fruits. They carefully bury nuts in pots, or just upend the pots to see what the humans find so interesting, which may be unlikely with bananas. My plants are all dwarf varieties, so* they're a little easier for critters to harass.
Anyway, I'd like to hear of any experiences on the subject.
Thanks,
Rick in CT

*

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

darn just give em some toys to play with and take their attention away from the nanas. May be a couple of kitty cats and they can play chase in the yard.

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

They are ornamental so just put them somewhere you can watch the squirrels eating them. It's the circle of life!

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

They never bother anything of mine and I have them everywhere. Severely overpopulated! Worst they do is throw hickory nuts at me. Anyone else here ever been hit in the head with one? It will just about knock you out!

I know sheep love velutina! Last year I had 3-4 that were in full bloom and about to split! Sheep broke through the fence and ate just about every single velutina plant, flower, and bananas. I was expecting seeds scattered all over my place. Haven't seen one pop up yet though.

After rebellious sheep and a 60 year record winter I have 1 velutina plant left this year!

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

When we lived in Illinois, we had trouble with squirrels digging up everything in a pot several times, but only when we were gone for the weekend or something like that. They rarely did it when we were around every day. It stopped when we got a dog, but the cats were useless against a northern squirrel.

For those who have always lived in Florida, squirrels up north are as big as and sometimes a little bigger than a cat, and cats don't mess with them. They make 2 or 3 of these puny tree rats we have here.

If you want to give the squirrels something to play with, I recommend buckshot or a pit bull. I have a zero tolerance rule about critters destroying my plants when there is a whole world of wild plants they can tear up and don't.

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

Squirrels are my biggest nightmare!!

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

I've been waiting to see a thread in the Seed Germination Forum where someone has tried running seeds through a digestive tract before trying to sprout them. Although I would imagine a medium size bird would be the animal of choice, not a ruminant.

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

Only if you want to eat the fruit. The varmints have recently started eating my Orinocos as they ripen. When I on occasion spot 'em, a well-sighted-in high-end air rifle solves the problem, but who can watch round the clock?!? In addition, they multiply like rats, and new ones fill the niches caused by 'control'. I'll try bagging the stalks this week.

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

Havahart traps are the way to go with squirrels...that is if you want to eat any of your fruit....otherwise squirrels empty the raceme...

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

I call them tree rats! I like to wait till the first few fingers turn a bit yellow and then cut down the bunch. Then hang it indoors.

On the last bunch of FHIA2 I let it hang too long and the oldest hand started to turn yellow. Thought I'd cut it down in the AM. Well the tree ratz chewed up half of the naners on the top hand. Cut off the whole hand and hung the bunch indoors. This is when I call on family, friends and neighbors to share the wealth. The whole bunch will yellow up in a week or so. And bananas don't freeze well - unless you want banana pudding!

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

Re using frozen bananas, do the following

Cut two frozen, very-ripe bananas [mine are Orinoco for size reference] into the blender or Vitamix. Add 3 ounces of freshly squeezed lime juice, 3 ounces of orange liquer [triple sec will work], 4.5 ounces of a reposado tequila, and about a cup of crushed ice. Blend until smooth, then, after finding a place where you can comfortably sit for an hour or so, pour for yourself, and one or two friends/relatives/etc., the resultant musa margarita. Do not plan on driving for a few hours, and do not drink it too quickly...brain freeze.

Bon appetit!

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

Hi Chris

Great to see you back on the forum.

Re: Banana vs squirrel--need I worry?
 

Thank you my very good friend!