Critters eatin my Pumkins!!!

[kancho14]

Hi, Every year my pumkins get nibbled and nibbled and nibbled on. I'm not sure which critter is doing the deed, but my guess in order of possiblility are squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks and or birds!!!! Anything I can do to deter all of these guys at once? Or maybe something in particular for each one. I don't want to harm these guys of course! Please help!!! Thanks, Michele

[SmarterThanU]

Well, if you hollow out a pumpkin and put some food in it, you should catch a squirrel inside, which will provide a "Spooky Jumping Jack-O-Lantern" for Hallowe'en.

[Lindy Loo]

Might be an idea to put up netting or chickenwire over the crop to prevent the critters access to it. Have you any redundant CD's??...String them up as well between poles to act as scarers. Hope the crop is better next year!!

[tartanwiz]

Some kind of 'scarecrow' type thing might work. Make a cut out cat and paint big eyes on it.

[DrWu]

You're not in the UK then?.....LOL!

[mullein]

try chopping several garlic cloves leave them to stand in water in a container for about two days then water round your pumpkin plant hopefully the stench will deter them, you dont say how many plants you have so you will have to adjust the mixture accordingly,you poor thing i grow pumpkins and i am glad nothing nibbles mine but i am in uk.i would also try the cd tip as old cds make great scarecrows