Ok, of course my Grapefruit tree is baring fruit. The thing is annoying neighborhood kids (about from age 6-10) are always plucking them and destroying/mutaliating them for fun when we aren't looking. It's hard to spot them when they do it, as my fruit tree is in front of my house, and I'm always inside. At times I do hear them, and sometimes, like just recently, I can't. I don't know when they do it, but I never have a chance to catch them "red handed". It's tough, so trying to get them to learn a lesson is pretty difficult. Last time I tried, they scurried off real fast, and that was like 4 years ago.
So any solutions to getting these kids from destroying my fruit?! I could probably go as far as landmines and cameras, but that's costly, especially with lawsuits. I can't go to these kids' houses, as I don't know where they live. I'm pretty sure there's laws against this disruptive behavior, right?
In any case, I would really like to know how to get rid of these kids.
2007-11-04 08:35:48 · 9 answers · asked by exo_kopaka 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
And no dogs please. My family is allergic, and caring for a dog is just not our thing. Besides, we have cars parked in front, and if the cops find out we have a dog on a leash to the tree, they'd arrest us. And what will happen when I have to go gather the matured fruit? I'd be killed by the dog.
So no dogs, please.
2007-11-04 08:55:02 · update #1
Try something like a motion detector alarm. Mount it in the tree so it's pointed straight down toward the trunk. A time or two of this emitting a screeching noise is going to make anyone think twice before they reach up to grab any fruit. Checked online and found one at Radio Shack for $26.99. Here's the link for it:
http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102584
2007-11-04 09:14:00 · answer #1 · answered by honeybucket 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Years ago, a garden book advised that one rule is never to plant juicy temptations such as this within reach of passersby.
Move your tree into the back yard if it's possible.
A wall?
Is your lot situated on a street where you can have a tall attractive metal or wooden fence built around your front yard (or at least a round one with gate so you can access it) to enclose the tree.
Or - make friends with the kids. Get to know them. Then you can gently teach them about a lot of things.
Be patient: The tree will not be hurt. You'll only miss some fruits -- until those kids grow up or move away. It's better to make friends than enemies.
2007-11-04 09:59:55 · answer #2 · answered by Lynda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best way is to get to know the kids. I know this may seem counter- intuitive, but the kids are out for an adventure, and picking on the mean guy in the neighborhood is one way to do this. I am not saying you are mean necessarily, but you did holler at the kids in the past. Cultivate a friendly relationship when they pass by, talk to them about how much you enjoy the fruit, share some fruit with them. In the end they will watch out for your tree for you. I have done this sort of thing several times and have been rewarded by getting to know some nice kids (and they have gotten to know a nice grownup :) ).
If you are dealing with more serious types (delinquents, gang members) call the police. Talk to your neighbors, it would not take long to find out where they live.
2007-11-04 10:59:57 · answer #3 · answered by Mark T 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
How do I keep Children away from my Grapefruit Tree?
Ok, of course my Grapefruit tree is baring fruit. The thing is annoying neighborhood kids (about from age 6-10) are always plucking them and destroying/mutaliating them for fun when we aren't looking. It's hard to spot them when they do it, as my fruit tree is in front of my house, and...
2015-08-24 18:29:25 · answer #4 · answered by Concepcion 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Outdoor Motion Detectors
http://homesecuritystore.com/ezStore123/DTProductList.asp?p=2_1_1_1_0_0_195
These come in a wide variety of price ranges....factor in a child being hurt on your property doing damage to your property and getting hurt on YOUR property ....then the parents want to sue you. So the price is immaterial. When that alarm goes off the little buggers will probably wet their pants and run home screaming to mommie!
The ones from Radio shack don'tsay for outdoor use . You can check it out though.
2007-11-04 09:40:12 · answer #5 · answered by LucySD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Land mines are expensive. You need a noisy dog.
It's not your job to teach them a lesson. That's their parents' job. Therefore, when you catch someone in the act, you turn them over to the police, then you sue their *parents* for the *entire* value of your citrus crop, plus the cost of acquiring and caring for the dog, in small claims court.
That provides motivation for the kids' parents (and other parents) to provide proper parenting.
2007-11-04 08:47:16 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Tie up a large dog by the tree
2007-11-04 08:51:12 · answer #7 · answered by James M 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
plant strawberries closer to the property line
2007-11-04 11:51:05 · answer #8 · answered by lenzix5 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Share the fruit and god will reward you.
2007-11-04 10:14:57 · answer #9 · answered by Invisible 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋