Growing Figs
How to Protect Your Fig Tree from Birds and Pests (Yes, Even Those Squirrels)
There’s nothing more disheartening than watching a fig finally ripen—soft, heavy with sugar, practically humming with that honey-sweet smell—only to find it half-eaten, pecked through, or gone entirely by morning. Who’s the culprit? Well, take your pick: birds, squirrels, rats, raccoons, even the occasional possum if you’re in the right (or wrong?) zip code.
Here’s the truth: if you grow figs, you’re not just a gardener. You’re also in low-key combat with creatures that really like fruit. And not just any fruit—your fruit.
But you don’t need to build a fortress or stay up all night with a flashlight. You just need a plan that works with the tree’s nature—and yours.
Why Do Fig Trees Attract So Much Trouble?
Figs are basically the candy aisle of the garden. When they’re ripe, they’re soft, fragrant, and sugar-packed. That makes them irresistible not only to humans, but to just about every critter with a pulse and a sense of smell.
Unlike apples or citrus that hang tough on the tree, figs are delicate. They ripen fast, don’t store long, and bruise if you so much as side-eye them. That means perfect timing is everything—and any delay gives pests a head start.
Let’s Talk Birds: Colorful, Cute, and Absolutely Ruthless
Birds are usually the first offenders. They come early, work fast, and tell their friends. Once they figure out your fig tree is open for business, they’ll show up like it’s brunch every morning.
You know what helps?
Bird netting. But not the flimsy kind that tangles and makes everyone miserable. Look for a soft mesh with small openings (½ inch or less). Drape it over the tree, secure it around the trunk with clips or garden ties, and pull it taut. Some folks build simple PVC frames or hoops so the net doesn’t rest directly on the branches. Makes harvesting easier, too.
You can also:
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Hang old CDs, aluminum pie plates, or reflective tape from branches. Motion and shine can spook some birds.
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Use a decoy owl or hawk, but move it every few days or they’ll figure out it’s fake.
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Plant sacrificial fruit nearby—mulberries work great if you’ve got space.
But honestly? Netting is still the MVP.
The Squirrel Situation: Acrobats With an Agenda
Squirrels are crafty. They don’t just steal your figs—they taunt you while doing it. They’ll pluck a ripe one, take two bites, and drop it just out of reach, like some kind of fluffy fruit critic.
They’re hard to deter, but not impossible. Here’s what actually helps:
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Tree collars or baffles: These smooth metal or plastic wraps around the trunk make it hard for squirrels to climb up.
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Prune back overhanging branches: Squirrels use power lines, fences, and nearby trees as launching pads.
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Hot pepper spray: Mix up a DIY solution of water, cayenne, and a little dish soap—then spray the figs (not the leaves) a few days before they ripen. Just don’t forget which ones you sprayed.
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Cages or enclosures: For smaller trees, you can build a full-frame cage using 2×2 lumber and hardware cloth. It’s extreme—but effective if you’re tired of playing defense.
And no, feeding them elsewhere doesn’t “distract” them. It trains them.
Rats at Night: The Silent Fig Thieves
You rarely see the rats, but you’ll see the damage. Hollowed-out figs. Scattered droppings. A weird vibe under the tree in the early morning.
Here’s where it gets real: rats don’t just snack—they bring health concerns. So if they’re visiting, you’ve got to act fast.
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Clean up fallen fruit daily. Don’t give them a reason to linger.
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Use motion-activated lights or sprinklers. Rats hate sudden movement or water.
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Trim branches away from walls and fences. These are rat highways.
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Set snap traps in covered boxes around the perimeter. Just keep them out of reach of pets.
- Mix baking soda with peanut butter or Jiffy mix (50/50). This will kill the rats and won’t harm your pets or any other animals.
We’re not talking about going full pest control mode—but a little prevention goes a long way.
Bonus Pests: Raccoons, Possums, and the Rest of the Night Crew
If you’ve got nighttime visitors raiding your tree, it might be time to consider:
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Motion-activated trail cams. They’re fun and functional.
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Perimeter fencing with an electric wire. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s effective and low-voltage versions are wildlife-safe.
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Fig cage setups (see above). Some folks use chicken wire, others go with more aesthetic setups if the tree is in the front yard.
Also worth noting: some fig varieties are more appealing to pests than others. ‘Black Mission’ and ‘Kadota’ tend to get hit hard. ‘Chicago Hardy’ is a bit more rugged and less of a target, though it’s still not safe from determined squirrels.
Harvest Timing: Your Best Defense
No matter how many gadgets and hacks you use, the absolute best way to beat the birds and beasts is to pick your figs the moment they’re ripe. That means checking the tree every morning during harvest season.
Ripe figs should droop slightly at the neck, feel soft to the touch, and show a little split or “tear” in the skin. If you see a fig and think, “Maybe tomorrow…”—nah. Take it now. Tomorrow might belong to a squirrel.
Final Thoughts (a Little Grit Goes a Long Way)
Growing figs is a bit like raising a prize tomato in the middle of a raccoon convention. You’ll have to stay alert, get creative, and sometimes—let’s be honest—outsmart a squirrel. But once you bite into that sun-warmed, perfectly ripe fig you actually managed to protect?
It all feels worth it.
And hey—every battle won against a fig thief is another reason to plant one more tree next season.
