squirells destroying pecans

I have a pecan tree that produces large pecans that are very meaty and just taste great.  My problem is that for the past five years, the squirells had bitten off the large green pecans that still have the case.  In one visit they can almost empty the tree from the pecans that we wait all year to enjoy.  They never get in my home because it is tightly closed.  I don't want to kill them, just keep them away from the tree long enough to harvest the pecans.   If there is anything you can suggest that will help us, it will be an answer to our big problem.

Thanks for your help.

Trying to protect pecan's in the average pecan tree is a tall order to say the least. Animals like squirrels can access them from so many angles it's not possible to protect the tree directly. Bad tasting agents can ruin the crop and pecan trees can grow so large their not practical to shield.  In the end the best option is a non direct approach. This means reducing the threat which is clearly the squirrels. So, how do you reduce the local population?

If you take some time to review our SQUIRREL CONTROL ARTICLE, you'll find we have many LIVE TRAP options listed. This is definitely the way to go. Placing out 2-4 live traps around the tree or trees you want to protect baited with PECAN PASTE will quickly catch the culprits. Once trapped you can relocate them at least 10 miles away so they don't return. In the end, you should be able to trap and relocate enough to where the population will be small enough so it will not matter.

Here are direct links to the products and information listed above:

Squirrel Control:  http://www.bugspray.com/article/squirrels.html

Live Traps:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/traps/squirrel_trap.html

Pecan Paste:  http://www.bugspray.com/catalog/products/page784.html