WHAT IS EATING MY PLANTS?

Something is eating your plants, but what is it? Before you reach for a trap, bait, repellent, or other control method, take a few minutes to investigate the damage. The plants themselves can provide important clues about the animal responsible.

Different wildlife species feed in different ways. Rabbits may clip tender vegetation, groundhogs can mow down entire sections of a garden, deer browse the tops of plants, squirrels may take fruits and vegetables, while raccoons and other nocturnal animals can leave plants disturbed or partially eaten. Knowing what the damage looks like can help you narrow down the possibilities.

LOOK AT THE DAMAGE FIRST

Don't just look at the missing plant. Look at how the plant was eaten.

Ask yourself:

  • Are the leaves missing?
  • Are the stems cleanly clipped?
  • Are the tops of plants gone?
  • Are plants being eaten down to the ground?
  • Are fruits being bitten into?
  • Are vegetables being carried away?
  • Are seedlings being pulled from the soil?
  • Is the damage happening overnight?
  • Are there tracks around the plants?
  • Is there digging nearby?

These clues can help identify the animal before you ever see it.

COMMON ANIMALS THAT MAY BE EATING YOUR PLANT

Rabbits
Rabbits commonly feed on tender vegetation and young plants. Look for plants that appear to have been clipped or grazed close to the ground.

Groundhogs
A groundhog can consume large quantities of vegetation. If an entire section of your garden seems to be disappearing, look for heavy browsing and a nearby burrow or large entrance hole.

Squirrels
Squirrels can target fruits, vegetables, seeds and developing garden crops. Tomatoes, squash and other produce may show bite marks or disappear completely.

Chipmunks
Don't overlook these small animals. Chipmunks may feed on seeds, fruits and young plants and can also disturb freshly planted areas.

Raccoons
Raccoons are primarily active at night and may investigate gardens for a variety of foods. Disturbed soil, overturned vegetation and partially eaten produce can be clues.

Opossums
Opossums may visit gardens after dark looking for fruits, vegetables, insects and other available food sources.

Skunks
Skunks may not actually be eating your plants. If you find small holes and disturbed soil throughout the garden, they may be searching underneath the surface for insects and other food.

Deer
Deer often browse the upper portions of plants. You may find stripped foliage, broken stems and damage concentrated at a consistent browsing height.

THE DAMAGE CAN TELL THE STORY

Look closely at the edges of damaged leaves and stems.

Clean, low cuts may point toward a browsing animal such as a rabbit.

Large sections of vegetation missing may indicate a larger herbivore such as a groundhog or deer.

Small bites in fruits may indicate squirrels or other small animals.

Disturbed plants and soil may indicate an animal that is searching rather than simply feeding on the vegetation.

And remember: one animal may not be responsible for everything you see. A garden can attract several species at the same time.

LOOK FOR THE ANIMAL'S OTHER CLUES

The plant damage is only part of the investigation.

Check the area around your plants for:

TRACKS — What size and shape are they?

DROPPINGS — Are there droppings near the damaged plants?

HOLES — Is there a burrow, entrance hole or digging nearby?

TRAVEL ROUTES — Is there a trail through grass or vegetation?

COVER — Is there brush, a woodpile, shed, stone wall or other hiding place nearby?

TIME OF DAMAGE — Is the damage appearing during daylight or overnight?

FOOD SOURCES — What is attracting the animal to your property?

IDENTIFY BEFORE YOU CONTROL

Backyard Baits® was developed around a simple idea, understand the animal before attempting to control the problem.

Wildlife doesn't usually appear in your yard for no reason. It may have found an easy food source, water, shelter, a secure travel route or a place to raise young. Understanding those habits can help you identify the source of the problem and select an appropriate control strategy.

Don't guess. Investigate.

Find the damage.
Look for the clues.
Identify the animal.
Find the source.
Then choose the appropriate control method.

That's the foundation of the Backyard Baits® approach to helping homeowners solve problem animal issues.