Squirrels attack

[Dallasgarden]

Ugh. I put my orchids outside this week and came home to discover that my new nodosa that had 6 pseudobulbs has been attacked and chewed by a squirrel and only have 3 pseudobulbs left! They even "nipped" the top of a new growth and pulled the entire plant from it's container...why does this seem to happen early in the season rather than mid-summer? And why do they always pick a new startup rather than one of my huge sprawling ones that could use a little pruning? Stew anyone?

[Molly Taco]

I Hate Squirrels They are nothing better than RATS with good costumes and better PR.
Cin

[ozorchid]

Ugh. I put my orchids outside this week and came home to discover that my new nodosa that had 6 pseudobulbs has been attacked and chewed by a squirrel and only have 3 pseudobulbs left! They even "nipped" the top of a new growth and pulled the entire plant from it's container...why does this seem to happen early in the season rather than mid-summer? And why do they always pick a new startup rather than one of my huge sprawling ones that could use a little pruning? Stew anyone?

He he he!....sorry, but I shouldn't laugh. We have similar problems here over our winter time with native wildlife. We have ringtail possums and the larger brushtail possums, these guys really chew things up!!!! and unfortunetly they always seem to remember timings for our yearly orchid show at work.....
The darned thing is though, they are soooo cute! you almost feel sorry for the little critters. One thing they hate is the smell of the common chest rub stuff for when you have a cold or flu, we call it "Vicks" over here, not sure what it's called in the States. Just rub the rim of pots with the stuff and it may help with the squirrels. Too late for the nodosa, but may save it in the long run. Give it a go.
Cheers.

PS: If anyone wants to know the dates or venue if travelling to OZ let me know.

[clintdawley]

Skwerls are evil...pure evil..

They will always find your favorite plant and eat it to the ground. Two of them ate a rather large Brugmansia of mine in no time flat, which rather surprised me as Brugmansia are "poison" (psychotropic). The leaves smell horrible, so I couldn't see how they would be palatable.

I think Skwerls would eat rocks if they were hungry enough..

[pavel]

Two of them ate a rather large Brugmansia of mine in no time flat, which rather surprised me as Brugmansia are "poison" (psychotropic). The leaves smell horrible, so I couldn't see how they would be palatable.

"Buuut Dude, the the pink elephants were sooooooooooo kewl!"
[Reported comment from one of said stoned skwerls ]

One summer I had some dens out at my folks' place. Squirrels mowed em down. To add insult to injury, they didn't even eat the darned things -- just chewed the canes off at the base. Considering all the bird feeders there, they couldn't have been hungry.

[ischel1]

This time of year our dastardly wittle cwitters are gathering stuff for their nests. You best not stand still too long in my yard.

[cindiras]

I see chicken-wire cages in my future! gotta protect the chids!

[Gin]

Not many acorns around here . They are eating the tops of the new bulbs in the yard . I don't put anything out gave up on it to much hassle .
Not my favorite critter and they have fleas ! gin

[Cjcorner]

I set out bowls of water for the fuzzy little things. I know alot of people think they are evil, but the water bowl with fresh water keeps them away from my porch. I was told they dig up bulbs and such to get water out of the plant. I don't know if it's really true, but so far it's worked like a charm. Before I sat the bowl out they were digging up my Amaryllis bulbs and eating their roots.
Connie

[clintdawley]

That's really interesting Connie and a good tip! There aren't many sources for fresh water in my urban setting, so I guess by giving them water they leave our stuff alone.

I set out bowls of water for the fuzzy little things. I know alot of people think they are evil, but the water bowl with fresh water keeps them away from my porch. I was told they dig up bulbs and such to get water out of the plant. I don't know if it's really true, but so far it's worked like a charm. Before I sat the bowl out they were digging up my Amaryllis bulbs and eating their roots.
Connie