The frustration of watching a promising fig harvest disappear is common for gardeners dealing with backyard wildlife. These sweet, soft fruits attract a variety of pests, but squirrels are the primary culprit. Squirrels are major consumers of figs, targeting the fruit relentlessly as it reaches peak ripeness. Understanding this behavior is the first step toward effectively protecting your crop.
Why Figs Are An Attractive Food Source for Squirrels
Squirrels seek out figs because the fruit offers a perfect combination of texture and energy density. A ripe fig is packed with natural sugars, creating an efficient source of immediate energy superior to the stored energy found in nuts. This sugar content provides the animal with a quick fuel burst for its fast metabolism.
The soft, thin skin and succulent flesh of a mature fig require minimal effort to consume. Unlike the hard shells of nuts that demand gnawing and cracking, figs can be devoured almost instantly. They are treated as a seasonal treat, targeted when they are at their sweetest and softest, providing a welcome change from tough, dry foods common in a squirrel’s year-round diet.
Identifying Squirrel Damage on Fig Trees
Identifying the specific pest is important, as squirrel damage differs from that of birds or rats. Squirrels typically do not consume an entire fig, instead taking a few large bites before moving on to the next fruit. This results in numerous partially-eaten figs, often found dropped beneath the tree or still hanging from the branch with a large, ragged hole.
If the fig is gone completely, the stem is often left behind, indicating the fruit was cleanly severed. This is distinct from bird damage, which usually involves small, deep pecking marks rather than large excavations. Look for signs of climbing, such as faint scratch marks on the bark or nearby fences, which confirm the presence of a climbing mammal.
Non-Lethal Methods for Fig Protection
The most effective strategy for protecting figs is physical exclusion, which prevents squirrels from reaching the fruit. Individual figs can be secured using small, reusable organza or mesh bags, tied around the stem as the fruit begins to ripen. This method is practical for smaller trees or for protecting the most prized figs on a larger tree.
For comprehensive protection, draping the entire tree canopy with netting is the most reliable approach. The netting must have a mesh size of one inch or less and should be secured tightly around the trunk base to prevent entry. Another useful technique is installing a cylindrical metal baffle, extending at least three feet up the trunk, which prevents squirrels from climbing the main stem. Harvesting figs slightly before they reach peak softness and sweetness can also make them less appealing to a foraging squirrel.