skip to main content

My figs disappeared

10 years ago

Three days ago I checked my fig tree and there were several figs that looked almost ripe. I took one, but it was just a bit too early, so I decided to wait a few days. I checked this morning and they are all gone. I didn't see any on the ground
Any idea where they went? I'd be shocked if it was a neighbor, could it be an animal? The branches were picked clean of any ripe or near ripe figs but the fall crop seems still attached.

Featured Answer

Suzi AKA DesertDance So CA Zone 9b

8 years ago

Put snap traps on the trunks. You will catch the critter. Bribe them with peanut butter laced with... Did I say that?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (10)

nothwehr
10 years ago
I'm in Maryland too and here, as well as elsewhere, the major culprits include birds, squirrels, chipmunks and possibly raccoons. With birds I would have expected some remnant of the fig to be left and some peck marks in unripe figs that were "tested" for ripeness. Putting a net over the tree/bush may help.
0
gorgi
10 years ago
In the past; my local varmins did not know what figs really are, and left them alone.
In spite of my timely harvesting and making sure no ripe figs drop on the ground; them varmins are getting smarter!

Namely the (infamous) cat-bird.

Possibly (disgusting) racoons and possums too!

Once any mama-vermint gets a sweet-tooth for (alien) fig fruit;
she also teaches her young off-springs, and on and on ...
Related Discussions
My new figs from Paradise/? about fig area
Q
Comments (3)
I have planted my fig trees near my Musa Basjoo (Japanese Snow Banana) and Windmill palm trees for the tropical look in Zone 7. All of these will overwinter outside and the fig tress have very tropical looking leaves that go well in that setting.
...See More
List from UCD Fig Tasting Disappeared?
Q
Comments (5)
I visited UC Davis last year and posted some photos and brief description. Let me know if this is the link you're talking about. Bass Here is a link that might be useful: UC Davis taste test.
...See More
My brand new worms...they've disappeared, disintegrated and
Q
Comments (8)
Hi there, Sorry to hear about your losses. I once killed about 2 pounds on a hot day. Not pretty. I've seen the main cause of death for a new worm setup seems to be overfeeding. You may not be doing this, but for 1000-1550 in the first month I would have fed maybe once and only about a cup full of kitchen scraps, maybe 2 tops. One other thing I read somewhere "The Burrow" I think, was that worms don't really enjoy the dramatic change in habitat when moved from one system (type of bedding, feed etc.) to another. When I started, I saw similar kind of thing as you. When the first generation seemed to be expiring, the new ones started to thrive. And as for the bottom liquid area, I had the same thing happen so I packed it full of dry shredded newspaper and voila, they were all happy down the bottom too. I would shovel this mixture once a month back onto the top, and put in new newspaper. Been using bread crusts? I have found that pot wroms seem to appear when I use too many bread crusts. They seem to love the sugary bread, so now I put the crusts in my compost bin, and only occaisionally into the worm factory or totes. Stick with the first batch for a few months, and see what happens. You might get a nice surprise in about 8 weeks (ie cocoons start to hatch). Remember, underfeed, not over feed. It's critical. I started with 3 lbs about 2.5 years ago (paid almost $100), and now estimate I have 35 lbs in 10 totes and one worm factory, which I give away free to people who are interested. Good luck
...See More
My post on free shingle shots disappeared
Q
Comments (20)
Nicole, Medicare can seem so confusing at first, mostly because there are so many options. But there's really only a few: (1) Choose to get a supplement (like the one I have) that pays for any Medicare-approved charges over and above what Medicare will pay. Or . . . (2) Choose to get an "advantage plan" supplement that can be cheaper but require co-pays, etc. Or . . . (3) Choose to ignore both of the above and just stick with the basic Medicare. (I don't know anyone who has done this.) In addition . . . (4) Medicare Part D, the drug plan, is required. If you opt not to sign up for one in the beginning you will pay through the nose if you find you need one down the road. The thing is, within choices 1, 2, and 4 there are many, many options. The Medicare website actually makes it fairly easy to pick the best ones for you. I think you'll find the KT is a good resource for information too!
...See More
sheller43
Original Author
10 years ago
Ugh, but thanks all - I will put a net over the next crop. Any idea when as there are small figs now starting for the fall crop
0
User
10 years ago
I had 3 Tacoma Violet Breba fruits ripe yesterday,but ,i found all three with large holes inside them,and seen the cat bird working on them.
It moves from fruit to fruit,damaging all of them,at once.
Sooo,I installed net,immediately.
Install net ASA you see fruit changing color.
0
Clm128
10 years ago
what is a cat bird.....
0
ediblelandscaping.sc
10 years ago
a cat bird attacks cats and figs and you!! sounds like an animal probably a deer opossum or raccoon would be my guess. there are 2 ways to approach this except the fact that you win some you loose some or spot the corporate in question then decide on what action to take deer and birds will give up on netting but coons won't and require a more beefy means of protecting your figs like a full cage around the tree or a dog.
0
User
10 years ago
The only birds I've ever seen attacking cats or people are Mockingbirds. They are bullies.
0
girlbug2
10 years ago
LOL I'd also see if there were any possible human culprits in the area.

Seriously, possums love figs and will creep into our yard at night to steal them and tomatoes. Birds just peck away at the ones that are within their reach. My labrador retriever will also steal the ones within his reach on the lowest branches!
0
jeanclellandmorin
8 years ago
I have watched the squirrels eat our tomatoes - mostly before they get ripe. I'm pretty sure they are the culprits that took the green figs overnight. I think they are getting revenge for our cutting more than 2 stories of height off the pecan tree.
0

Related Stories

EARTH DAY How to Design a Garden for Native Bees

By Debbie Ballentine

Create a garden that not only looks beautiful but also nurtures native bees — and helps other wildlife in the process

LIGHTING House Hunting? Look Carefully at the Light

By Alison Hodgson

Consider windows, skylights and the sun in any potential home, lest you end up facing down the dark

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING How to Pick a Nice Wall for Your Garden Room

By Billy Goodnick Garden Design

Made by hand, prefab or growing from the ground, garden walls are key landscaping elements. Here's what to think about for your yard

FARMHOUSES World of Design: See How 9 Families Live and Farm on Their Land

Join us as we visit the homes and farms of passionate food producers and hear about rural life around the globe

DECORATING GUIDES Budget Decorator: 12 Ways to Perk Up Your Home for Fall

By Laura Gaskill

Get crafty or shop strategically to give your nest that extra-special touch while you’re cozying up on chilly days

LIVING ROOMS How to Make Your Living Room More Inviting

By Karen Egly-Thompson

Consider these common-sense decorating ideas to make this room more comfortable and cozy

FRUIT TREES How to Grow Your Own Persimmons

By Marianne Lipanovich

Sturdy and easy to care for, these trees offer bright fruit through winter — and keeping them in bounds is no sweat

DECORATING GUIDES Ditch the Rules but Keep Some Tools

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Be fearless, but follow some basic decorating strategies to achieve the best results

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING 10 Creative Ways to Bring Structure to Your Outdoor Room

By Laura Gaskill

Get a sense of protection and coziness with living walls, pergolas, planters and more

GARDENING GUIDES Backyard Birds: Invite Entertaining Hummingbirds Into Your Garden

By Habitat Network

Hummingbirds — unique to the Americas — zip through open landscapes seasonally or year-round. Here’s how to attract them

Sponsored

Davidson Builders

1 Review

Franklin County's Full-Scale General Contractor

More Discussions

Hello everyone...

1

Spring is here and fig season just in front the gates

3

Winter Fig Tree concerns

3

Fig is dying out

4