Peaches, with their sweet aroma and juicy flesh, are a tempting treat not just for humans but also for a variety of animals. As these fruits ripen on the tree, they become a beacon for wildlife, drawing in creatures from the smallest insects to larger mammals. Understanding which animals are attracted to peaches and why can help in protecting your harvest.
Identifying Peach-Eating Animals
A diverse range of animals consume peaches, leaving distinct clues. Mammals frequently target ripening fruit. Squirrels often eat peaches, leaving behind half-eaten fruit or carrying entire peaches away. Raccoons and opossums are nocturnal feeders that can cause significant damage, often leaving partially consumed fruit and pits around the base of trees. Deer also eat peaches, especially when other food sources are scarce, consuming the fruit directly from the branches.
Birds also pose a threat to peach crops. Species such as crows, jays, mockingbirds, orioles, and finches peck at ripe peaches, leaving small holes or peck marks on the fruit’s surface. Insects like the plum curculio, Oriental fruit moth, and various borers can infest peaches, with their larvae tunneling into the fruit or tree. Stink bugs can also cause distortion and damage to the fruit.
The Allure of Peaches
Animals are drawn to peaches due to their rich nutritional composition and appealing sensory qualities. Ripe peaches are high in natural sugars, providing a readily available energy source. This sweetness is a primary attractant for many species. Beyond sugar, peaches offer high water content, valuable for hydration. The fruit also contains essential vitamins like A, E, K, and C, along with minerals such as potassium and manganese, contributing to an animal’s overall dietary needs.
Safeguarding Your Peaches
Protecting your peach harvest from animal consumption involves employing humane and effective strategies. Physical barriers are effective; draping fine bird netting with small holes (less than half an inch) over the entire tree canopy can prevent access for birds and many mammals. Securing the netting at the base of the tree deters ground-dwelling animals like raccoons and squirrels. Individual mesh fruit bags can also be placed over developing peaches to create a direct barrier for each fruit.
Beyond physical barriers, maintaining a clean orchard environment is important. Regularly removing fallen fruit from around the trees can significantly reduce the attraction for pests, as decaying fruit signals an easy food source. Some non-toxic repellents, such as sprays containing hot pepper solution, can be applied to fruit, making them less appealing to animals due to the taste. However, these may need frequent reapplication, especially after rain. Additionally, reflective objects like old CDs or mylar tape hung in trees can startle birds and squirrels with their movement and shine, though animals may habituate to these over time. Rotating deterrence methods can enhance their effectiveness.
Peach Pits and Animal Safety
Peach pits, often discarded by animals after consuming the fruit, contain a compound called amygdalin. This substance can convert into hydrogen cyanide when metabolized in the digestive system. While the peach flesh is safe, the pits pose a toxicity risk, especially if the kernel inside is chewed and ingested.
In addition to the chemical hazard, peach pits present a physical danger to animals. Their hard, irregular shape can become a choking hazard, especially for smaller animals. Swallowing pits whole can also lead to intestinal blockages. Therefore, it is recommended to remove pits before offering peaches to pets.