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Garden Pests #866725
Asked May 02, 2024, 8:25 AM EDT
Kalamazoo County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Lorrie, thanks for the question.
Sometimes it is difficult to determine what pest is eating the results of our hard work. There can be some telling symptoms. What does the damage look like? Rabbits make clean 45° cuts; deer yank, pull and shred; woodchucks will sample, trample and move on: and cutworms will topple the plant close to the soil line. Look for paw prints. Smooth out the soil around the plants or possible entry points in the evening and you may see a paw print or a pattern that can be identified. Check where the gate and fence (or gate and building) come together for an entry point. Check for recently disturbed soil. Woodchucks can climb but they often have a secondary entry to their burrow that is sometimes hidden (and may be in the garden). If you see any scat (animal poo), it may help identify the culprit. If you have or can borrow a game camera (motion activated) you may get your answer. Send some pictures of the damage, scat or paw prints and maybe we can solve the puzzle. Here are some links that may be helpful.
whats_eating_my_vegetables.pdf (umass.edu)
What’s Eating My Garden Plants? (purdue.edu)
I hope this helpful, please reply if we can be of more assistance on this matter.