Bryan wrote:
Something was moving about in my apple tree at 4:30 in the morning. I
figured bird. If it's a bird it's a funny moving bird.
I threw some water at the tree and watched the critter move; it didn't hop.
It ran from one limb to another.
So, what's my likely pest?
Rat? Something else? I didn't know rats climbed apple trees. I'm not
surprised, just didn't know.
Suburban location Sonoma County.
Remedy? Remember, I can't shoot it (suburban location).


Most likely a rat,but it could also be raccoon or opossum have 'em in my
apple trees. The rats can climb and jump like you wouldn't believe. Heck
give 'em a little Trader Vic's umbrella and they can walk upright on the
phone lines.You can place poison out at night as they are nocturnal, but
you'll have to remove it before daylight unless you also want the
squirrels gone as well. I have so many apples on my trees that I don't
mind letting the squirrels have a few, besides it's amusing to try and
watch them carry a Granny Smith twice the size of their head along the
top of my fence and climb up the telephone pole in the corner of the
yard. Keeps the dog amused as well.
(As a side note saw a teaser on the SF news about a rat infestation in
the north bay)

Zone 9
Campbell, CA