There are several animals that feed on pomegranates. Understanding what attracts them to pomegranate trees will help you create good measures
Pomegranates, being delicious and nutrient-rich fruit, can attract various natural organisms including insects, birds, rodents, and beneficial pollinators.
Insects: Pomegranates can attract insects such as bees, wasps, and flies. The sweet aroma and nectar produced by the fruit’s flowers draw these insects.
Birds: The vibrant red color of pomegranate arils (the juicy seeds inside) can attract birds. Birds may be tempted to use the fruit as a food source, especially if it is ripe and exposed.
Rodents: Pomegranates that have fallen to the ground or are decaying can attract rodents like mice and rats. These animals are often attracted to the scent of rotting fruit.
Beneficial pollinators: Pomegranate flowers are attractive to bees and other pollinators. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating the flowers, which is essential for fruit production.
The attraction of certain organisms to pomegranates can vary depending on factors such as the fruit’s ripeness, scent, and location.
What Is The Major Pest Of Pomegranate?
The major pest of pomegranate can vary depending on the geographic location and specific conditions. One of the most common pests that can affect pomegranate trees is the pomegranate fruit fly (Bactrocera spp.), also known as the pomegranate seed weevil.
The pomegranate fruit fly is a small insect that lays eggs on ripe pomegranate fruits. The larvae (maggots) hatch from the eggs and burrow into the fruit, feeding on the seeds and causing damage. Infested fruits may develop soft spots, decay, or drop prematurely.
Other pests that can affect pomegranates include:
Aphids: These small insects can infest pomegranate trees and feed on the sap, causing distorted growth, yellowing leaves, and honeydew secretion.
Whiteflies: These tiny, white insects can cluster on the undersides of pomegranate leaves and suck sap, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and honeydew production.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny insects that can damage pomegranate flowers and fruit. They feed by piercing the plant tissue and sucking out the sap, causing deformities and blemishes on the fruit.
Spider mites: These tiny arachnids can infest pomegranate trees, particularly in hot and dry conditions. They feed on the sap from the leaves, resulting in discoloration, stippling, and webbing.
Scale insects: Scale insects can attach themselves to various parts of pomegranate trees and feed on the sap. They can cause yellowing, stunted growth, and weaken the overall health of the tree.
It’s important to monitor pomegranate trees regularly for signs of pest infestations. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices, such as proper sanitation, regular pruning, beneficial insect release, and targeted pesticide application if necessary, can help manage pest populations effectively.
Good IPM practices also minimize damage to your pomegranate tree. Consulting with local agricultural extension services or professionals knowledgeable about your specific region can provide tailored guidance for managing pests in your area.
Do Pomegranate Trees Attract Ants?
Pomegranate trees themselves do not typically attract ants. Fallen or decaying pomegranate fruits may attract ants. Ants are opportunistic feeders and are often drawn to sources of food, including ripe or rotting fruits.
The scent or juice of fallen pomegranates or fruits that are left unharvested for an extended period, can attract ants. Honeydew, a sugary substance produced by certain insects like aphids that may infest pomegranate trees can also attract ants.
To minimize ant activity around pomegranate trees, it’s recommended to regularly harvest ripe fruit and clean up fallen or rotting fruit from the ground. By maintaining good tree hygiene and keeping the area around the tree clear, you can help reduce the tree’s attractiveness to ants and other insects.
What Bugs Love Pomegranates?
Several bugs are known to have a preference for pomegranates due to the fruit’s sweetness and juiciness.
Here are some bugs that can be attracted to pomegranates:
- Pomegranate fruit fly (Bactrocera spp.)
- Stink bugs
- Fruit beetles
- Ants
- Wasps
Pomegranate fruit fly (Bactrocera spp.): The pomegranate fruit fly lays eggs on ripe pomegranate fruits, and the resulting larvae (maggots) feed on the seeds, causing damage and spoilage.
Stink bugs: Various species of stink bugs, such as the brown marmorated stink bug, may feed on pomegranate fruits. These bugs use their piercing mouthparts to puncture the fruit and suck out the juice.
Fruit beetles: Certain beetles, including fig beetles and fruit chafer beetles, are attracted to ripe and decaying fruits, including pomegranates. They can cause damage by feeding on the fruit’s flesh.
Ants: While ants may not directly feed on pomegranates, they can be attracted to fallen or rotting fruits.
Wasps: Pomegranates attract some wasp species, such as fig wasps. They are drawn to the sweet juice and may feed on damaged or overripe fruits.
It’s important to note that not all bugs are harmful or detrimental to pomegranates. Some insects, such as bees, are beneficial as they assist in pollinating the flowers and contributing to fruit development.
Besides bugs and ants, let’s look at other animals like birds that eat pomegranates
What Bird Eats Pomegranates?
Several bird species are known to consume pomegranates as part of their diet. Some birds are attracted to the sweet and juicy arils (seeds) inside the fruit. Specific bird species feeding on pomegranates can vary depending on the geographical location and availability of other food sources.
Here are a few bird species that are commonly observed eating pomegranates:
- Bulbuls
- Thrushes
- Starlings
- Orioles
- Parakeets
1. Bulbuls: Bulbuls are known to feed on pomegranates. These minor to medium-sized passerine birds are found in many parts of the world, and they have a diverse diet that includes fruits, nectar, and insects.
2. Thrushes: Some thrush species, such as the Eurasian blackbird, have been observed eating pomegranates. Thrushes are known for their ability to consume various fruits, including those with tough outer skins.
3. Starlings: Starlings are opportunistic feeders and can consume various food items, including pomegranates. Fruit-bearing trees often attract birds and they may peck at the ripe fruits to extract the juicy arils.
4. Orioles: Orioles are colorful, medium-sized birds known for their preference for fruits and nectar. Pomegranates also attract orioles which usually would feed on the arils.
5. Parakeets: Certain parakeet species, such as the rose-ringed parakeet, are known to eat pomegranates. These birds have strong beaks that enable them to crack open the fruit and consume the arils.
Do Hummingbirds Like Pomegranate Trees?
Pomegranate trees or their fruits are not known to attract hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are avid nectar feeders and are often associated with flowering plants, their primary food source is flower nectar, not fruits.
Hummingbirds have long, thin beaks that are well adapted for reaching into the depths of tubular flowers to extract nectar. They have a high metabolism and rely on energy-rich nectar as their main source of sustenance. While they may occasionally consume small insects and spiders for protein, fruits are not a significant part of their natural diet.
Therefore, hummingbirds may visit pomegranate trees if they have flowering blossoms that produce nectar, they are not attracted to the trees specifically for the fruit.
How Do You Protect Pomegranates From Birds?
Protecting pomegranates from birds can be challenging, as the sweet and juicy arils inside the fruit attract them
Here are a few methods you can try to deter birds and protect your pomegranate crop:
- Netting
- Visual deterrents
- Noise deterrents
- Physical barriers
- Harvest promptly
- Scare tactics
Netting: Covering the pomegranate tree or individual branches with bird netting can be an effective method. Ensure that the netting is fine enough to prevent birds from accessing the fruit. Secure the netting tightly to prevent birds from getting entangled.
Visual deterrents: Visual cues that indicate potential danger can scare birds away. Hang reflective objects, such as old CDs or shiny tape, near the pomegranate tree to create flashes of light and movement. You can also use scarecrows or owl decoys to create the illusion of a predator’s presence.
Noise deterrents: Birds can be deterred by loud noises. You can use wind chimes, bells, or other noise-making devices near the pomegranate tree to startle and discourage birds from approaching.
Physical barriers: If your pomegranate trees are small or in containers, you can use physical barriers like cages or wire mesh around individual fruits to prevent birds from reaching them.
Harvest promptly: Harvest ripe pomegranates as soon as they are ready. By removing the fruit promptly, you reduce the time available for birds to find and feed on them.
Scare tactics: Regularly change the location of scare devices or visual deterrents to prevent birds from getting habituated to them. Birds are less likely to be deterred by methods that they become accustomed to over time
How Do You Protect Pomegranates From Rodents?
Here are some methods you can try to protect your pomegranates from rodents:
- Tree guards
- Physical barriers
- Removal of hiding spots
- Traps
- Natural deterrents
- Regular harvesting
- Professional help
Tree guards: Install tree guards or wraps around the trunks of your pomegranate trees. This can prevent rodents, such as mice and rats, from climbing up the tree and accessing the fruit. Use materials like metal mesh or hardware cloth that rodents cannot chew through.
Physical barriers: If you have young pomegranate trees or smaller shrubs, consider surrounding them with wire mesh or fencing buried at least a few inches into the ground.
Remove hiding spots: Keep the area around the pomegranate trees clear of debris, tall grass, and other potential hiding spots for rodents. By removing their hiding places, you make it less attractive for them to approach the trees.
Traps: Set up rodent traps near the pomegranate trees, especially if you notice signs of rodent activity. There are various types of traps available, such as snap traps and live traps. Place them strategically where rodents are likely to pass or near their burrows.
Natural deterrents: Some natural deterrents may help repel rodents. For example, sprinkling cayenne pepper or chili powder around the base of the tree or using strong-smelling deterrents like peppermint oil or garlic may discourage rodents from approaching.
Read more about how to control pomegranate root pests.
Regular harvesting: Harvest ripe pomegranates as soon as they are ready. Leaving ripe fruit on the tree can attract rodents. By promptly harvesting, you reduce the chance of attracting rodents to the area.
Professional help: If you are facing a severe rodent infestation that is causing significant damage, consider consulting a pest control professional who can provide effective and safe methods to control the rodent population.
