Squirrels are a common sight in many backyards and green spaces. For those cultivating fruit trees, a frequent question is: do squirrels eat pears? Yes, squirrels readily consume pears, especially as they ripen. This article explores why pears attract squirrels, how they fit into their diet, and practical strategies to protect your pear harvest.
Why Squirrels are Drawn to Pears
Pears possess several characteristics that make them highly appealing to squirrels. Ripe pears offer a soft texture, easy for squirrels to manage, unlike harder, unripe fruits. Their high sugar content provides a quick energy source, making them a desirable treat. Pears also contain significant water, particularly attractive during drier periods. Squirrels often target the sweet, fleshy part of the fruit and may consume the seeds, typically leaving the tougher core.
Squirrels are opportunistic feeders, taking advantage of readily available food sources. A pear tree laden with ripe fruit presents an irresistible buffet. They may begin to munch on pears even before they are fully ripe, sometimes dropping partially eaten fruit. This indicates their strong attraction to these fruits as soon as they become palatable.
Pears as Part of a Squirrel’s Diet
While squirrels enjoy pears, these fruits are not a primary nutritional source due to their high sugar content. A wild squirrel’s diet is diverse, typically consisting of nuts, seeds, wild fruits, fungi, and insects. Pears, along with other cultivated fruits like apples and peaches, supplement this varied diet, especially when other food sources are less abundant.
Excessive intake of sugary fruits can lead to health concerns for squirrels. Urban squirrels have been observed to have higher sugar intake compared to their forest counterparts, often due to human-provided foods. This can result in elevated blood glucose levels and other physiological markers. Pears function more as an occasional supplement rather than a dietary staple for squirrels.
Keeping Squirrels Away from Your Pears
Protecting your pear trees from squirrels involves a combination of humane deterrence methods. Physical barriers are effective strategies. Installing a squirrel baffle, a cone-shaped or cylindrical barrier made of smooth metal or plastic around the tree trunk, can prevent squirrels from climbing. These baffles should be placed 4 to 6 feet high and be wide enough to prevent squirrels from leaping over them. This method works best on isolated trees where squirrels cannot jump from nearby structures or other trees.
Another physical barrier is draping wildlife-safe netting over the entire tree canopy. This netting should be secured tightly around the trunk to prevent squirrels from sneaking underneath. While effective, netting can be challenging to install on larger trees and requires regular checking to ensure no wildlife becomes trapped. Pruning overhanging branches that provide access from other trees, fences, or rooftops can also minimize entry points. Squirrels are known for their jumping ability, so a clear space of at least 6 to 8 feet around the tree is advisable.
Other methods can also deter squirrels. Motion-activated sprinklers can startle approaching squirrels with a sudden burst of water, discouraging repeated visits. Some gardeners use strong scents squirrels find unpleasant, such as sprays made with hot peppers, vinegar, or essential oils like peppermint or eucalyptus. These require regular reapplication, especially after rain. Providing alternative food sources, such as a dedicated squirrel feeder filled with nuts and seeds placed away from the pear trees, might also divert their attention.