Williamson County News Releases

Title: Pecan Predators
Date: October 15, 2001
Author(s): Ron E. Leps, County Extension Agent-AG, Williamson Co.

PECAN PREDATORS

Over the years I have heard all kinds of stories regarding keeping predators out of the pecan crop. Some I can share and some I simply have to take to my grave. Only those who have pecan trees and experienced the difficulty in raising a crop of pecans and then see crows, squirrels, blue jays, raccoons or a host of other predators literally pack the crop off can truly relate to the challenges of dealing with pecan predators.

Our 2001 pecan crop is above average in most places in the county. Everything from yard to orchard to native trees is making a crop. This is typical considering last year our crop was very small and this Spring we experienced above average moisture. After all - most pecan trees in the county could be considered alternate bearing.

Given our list of predators, squirrels and crows top the list with blue jays a close second. Squirrels can cause serious pecan crop loss. A single squirrel can carry off an estimated 50 to 60 pounds of pecans each year. I have lived in old town Georgetown in a garage apartment with squirrels rolling pecans around in the attic. Not a pleasant alarm to wake to on a Saturday morning. These furry creatures become not so popular real fast. The only real protection is destruction of the squirrels by shooting or trapping. Shooting is obviously not an option if you live in town.

On the subject of squirrels, I do have one success story to share. Last week I was out at the Davidson's visiting with Dennis. Dennis informed me that the no good, licking and jumping mutt had been ordered tied to the lone pecan tree by Mr. Davidson to keep out the squirrels. Seemed to be working since the only way into the pecan tree was past the dog who would lick the squirrels to death.

Crows are cunning and can cause heavy pecan loss in some areas (orchards). One thing our County Judge John Doerfler can do successfully is the raising of big crows in his orchard South of Weir. These crows are the size of large buzzards and start working on the pecan trees in early September. John shoots at the crows and scares them up to my trees while I return the favor. The only people benefitting from this are the stores selling shot gun shells - we have yet to actually shoot a crow.

Various systems have been developed to attempt to control crows and other birds including bird bombs, distress tapes and hawk kits. These may work for a short time but crows are especially quick to lose fear of these types of devices.

Controlling predators in pecan trees can best be described as an attempt because they can never be entirely eliminated.

Extension programs serve people of all ages regardless of socioeconomic level, race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin. The Texas A&M University System, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the County Commissioners Courts of Texas Cooperating.

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