I really hate tree rats !

[Lardman]

As usual my apples have started to disappear, not just the odd one but entire arms of the espaliers have been stripped. On my way up to close the greenhouse the culprit was just sitting there eating. I don't mind sharing the odd one (why don't they eat the fruit on the surrounding apple trees ?) but at this rate there will be nothing left for me harvest again

[Jungle Jane]

Can you make a cone shape thing to wrap around the tree trunk to stop it climbing up?

[burnie]

You need a pet Pine Martin

[Small pumpkin]

Or move to an island like me. We don't have them here.

[Chestnut]

I found one scampering across the lawn with a huge ripe strawberry...
With cats, a jet of water works quite well- not sure about tree rats, but I’m starting to think it might be worth a try!

[BUFFS]

I dusted a couple of sacrificial strawbs with paprika and left them to be pinched, and this year OH says she has not seen any, come to think about, I haven't seen any either and we usually see them and their young by this time..

[Lardman]

It's difficult to protect espaliers individually, I did buy a fenn trap earlier in the year but it has disappeared from the garden even though it was staked down - I assume one of my neighbours didn't approve. They couldn't give a monkey's about the water scarecrow I have and they're not overly bothered about me ! The joys of living near a park.

I was hoping last year would be a one off as there was so little fruit about, but this year the neglected gardens and hedgerows are full so why the blasted things are leaving it all and coming here to dine I have no idea. Going over my notes this will be the fourth fruiting year for some of these trees that I've not eaten an apple off them yet !

Makes me grumpy.

[Jay22]

Don't agree with killing anything and I don't. I'm afraid it's just life, I understand your frustration though. As I said in another thread, why do the slugs/birds in my garden have to have a nibble out of every ripe strawberry...can't you leave me some?!!

[burnie]

Trouble is if we don't reduce/remove greys, the native Reds will become extinct, this is not natural selection, this is the result of Victorians ruining our countryside, they didn't know what they were doing, we do know what needs to be done.

[Small pumpkin]

I believe grays are good eating. Never tried, but I would.
I don't agree with killing things just because they are eating stuff in the veggie garden. But greys do need controlling, they are not a native species. As burnie has said. As long as they are killed humanly and don't go to waste. It's all good.




That probably a thread closer.

[muck lover]

They are the Spanish bluebells of the rodent world.

[Lardman]

I'm afraid much like land rats and air rats, I consider tree rats vermin too and whilst I wouldn't trust I could humanely shoot one, I did think the fenn trap was the answer.

It's the scale of the losses that's the problem. 18 of my trees had a good set of fruit this year , between barrages from air, land and tree 6 of those have already been stripped completely and only 5 have any significant fruit left, the others just have the odd apple here and there.

I do like my free standing espaliers but I may have to rethink things - a couple of rows of cordons could be netted and traditional standard trees would produce more fruit and losses would be less significant.

Perhaps something I should have considered during the planning stages before planting, not something they tend to put in the books though

[lottieguy]

Hi, We have different vermin and I am afraid they are here to stay. Every thing has a place. Having worked on the land I have seen quite a few things in my time. As for the reds well they have pockets of resistance and we must help but the grey is here and love it or hate it its here so grow up and learn to protect things. The use of fen traps is not good and I am glad that the trap was removed, I have personally witnessed a cat trapped in one and its not nice as the cat had to be put down due to the damage. I would also question the legality of using them on any land public or private. If you insist on using said traps then so be it but I hope you get your fingers caught in it. You'll think twice then. Catch and dispatch humanely fine, but traps that maim are not.

[Greenleaves]

Two of the posts have been moderated as they are not considered appropiate for this forum.

Whilst we understand the frustration, the point of the OP has been made so the thread is now closed.

Thank you