dendrobium buds/ squirrels

[jillp]

Hi, I'm new! I live in central Florida, about 5 miles from the ocean. I have my dens hanging in trees. They are starting to bud, and I'm afraid that the squirrels will eat the new buds, as they have in the past. I can bring them into the screened porch , which is too shady, but safe, but I'm afraid they will be stunned and stop the blooming process. The question is , what size should the flower stem be, before it's safe to bring them indoors, and they'll keep going. It's probably a gamble either way, does anyone else have squirrel trouble ?

[Candice]

HI Jillp!!!!!
Welcome to the OB!!!!!
There are lenty of Floridains here that can assist you!
I just wanted to welcome you here at Orchid Board and tell you that you are going to have a great time here!!!
If you have any more questions just ask~ I am sure your question on the squirrels will be answered shortly!!!
I would just get a cat, personally, good excuse to go to the Humane Society and rescue a lil kitty!!

[cb977]

Hi Jill Nice to have you with us...I'm in Spring Hill, north of Tampa.

I know of many folkls who've had problems with the squirrels and I'm not sure anybody has come up with a sure-fire way of fixing the problem.

There are pepper sprays available...some people swear they work and others see no results. I've heard of people having success with moth balls, maybe you can try them.
Somebody in our club saw a kit online to get rid of squirrels from their gardens and thought it was a great idea so they bought it. When it arrived, it was a few little mesh bags and about 6 mothballs...2 per bag

Much cheaper to buy a box yourself and tie them up, huh?

Our other members are sure to post some more info for you...good luck

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask

[Leisurely]

I tried something this Spring that actually works. How long has it been since you cleaned your hairbrushes? Remove all the hair. Tie it into a small ball. Tie the ball to the plant. Squirrels hate the scent of anything human and will leave your plants alone.

[jillp]

Thanks, that sounds really easy , I've got to try it, I'll let you know if it works, J

[ScottMcC]

$45 will get you a pretty awesome BB pistol that will definitely take care of your squirrel problem.

[sapphireeyes27]

Originally Posted by Leisurely

I tried something this Spring that actually works. How long has it been since you cleaned your hairbrushes? Remove all the hair. Tie it into a small ball. Tie the ball to the plant. Squirrels hate the scent of anything human and will leave your plants alone.

That is the coolest suggestion ever!! I've got loads of hair in my hairbrush! (Ew...huh...) I live up in New Jersey, but the squirrels are insane here! I think my husbnd is going to think I'm nuts, but I might have to try that for other plants!

Rachel

[Lagoon]

I was thinking along the same lines as Jerry. But with dog or cat hair.

[flhiker]

[quote=ScottMcC;50689]$45 will get you a pretty awesome BB pistol that will definitely take care of your squirrel problem. [/quote
Can't we all just get along!

[gmdiaz]

Had to snicker, against my will, about the BB gun option. . .

Besides the fact that it is NOT nice to be shot at, I doubt it would even work long term. squirrels are nothing if not committed once they have a plan. They will just glare with hate as they eat your plants anyway. LOLOLO

I vote for a deterrant, thus avoiding war & injury to all:
I don't suppose you could wrap a small chicken wire "ball" around the roots and branch it's on. . .hide it with spaghun or something. . .cause we're also all about it being pretty. LOL