Hello.
I had a report from a NY grower near Whitehall NY, virtually astride
the VT border, that he was being invaded by red squirrels who were
causing significant fruit loss due to feeding. He reports never
having seen such levels previously.
I then had a call from an AP reporter asking about this and other
situations in VT.
Trapping is out of the question, as are rodenticides as fruit is on
the trees presently, customers are in the orchard, and non-target
species would be greatly at risk. For much the same reason, shot guns
and/or squirrel guns have very limited utility.
I am speculating that normal food stocks of these critters has been
negatively effected by drought conditions in June, July, and early
August, and perhaps also, that several mild winters and earlier
springs has allowed greater survival and reproductive numbers.
(I understand that black bears are also seeking alternate food
sources as customary wild foods were severely impaired due to weather
conditions.)
While such population surges likely cyclically normal, this grower
reports never having seen such squirrel numbers - and damage; warming
climatic conditions are likely amplifying the cyclical potential .
Perhaps others can offer effective control methods and a more
accurate assessment of what may be going on.
Best Regards, Kevin Iungerman
--
Kevin Iungerman, Extension Associate
Cornell University Cooperative Extension's Northeast NY Commercial
Fruit Program
50 West High Street, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: (518) 885-8995
FAX: (518) 885-9078
email: [email protected]
website: NE NY Cold Climate Orchards and Vineyards
http://nenycoldclimateorchardsandvineyards.com
Providing Equal Opportunity Commercial Tree Fruit and Grape Research,
Education and Programming with the Support of the Farmers and Cornell
Cooperative Extension Associations of Albany, Clinton, Essex,
Saratoga, and Washington Counties, and Cornell University's College
of Agriculture and Life Science.
Serving NY's Upper Hudson and Champlain Region - Home to Premium Cold
Hardy Orchard and Vineyard Fruit, Including: McIntosh, Honeycrisp,
and Sweetango Apples, and Marquette and LaCrescent Grapes!
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