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Citrus fruit looks like minature birds are pecking it?

Posted by live_oak_lady Zone 9 (My Page) on
Mon, Aug 16, 04 at 4:48

My Louisiana orange tree has lots of fruit on it and it looks as though something has been eating the peel? A few years ago I thought it was birds so put netting on the tree. Someone told me it is an insect. Help!! With what can I spray?


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RE: Citrus fruit looks like minature birds are pecking it?

  • Posted by jim2k mississippi (My Page) on
    Mon, Aug 16, 04 at 16:31

Ortho malathion 50 plus insect spray this should help. good luck Jim


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RE: Citrus fruit looks like minature birds are pecking it?

That happens to my grapefruits, but I don't do anything. I have plenty that mature. I don't know what is causing it, but I don't use any pesticides on my property. The anoles take care of things.

Citrus is the host plant of the Giant Swallowtail. The caterpillars feed on the leaves. If you spray, you could be killing potential butterflies.

How old/large is your tree? Mine is about 12ft high.


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RE: Citrus fruit looks like minature birds are pecking it?

My grapefruit tree is about 12 also and very wide. My orange tree is about 15 years old and produces heavily. In the afternoon sunshine in December it looks like a tree with golden fruit; very pretty. I don't mind the damage as much on the grapefruit as I do on the oranges because I like to make Christmas baskets with them.


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RE: Citrus fruit looks like minature birds are pecking it?

I use Dr. Bronner's Peppermint Oil Soap about a teaspoon per gallon in a hose end sprayer on my citrus when I see snow scale or any leaf damage. Cleans up the trees nicely and smells great. I do this in the evening so the sun won't burn the leaves.


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RE: Citrus fruit looks like minature birds are pecking it?

Treefrog, I have never heard of that product. Where do you get it? Shall have to try it.


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