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New Jersey

Something, which I suspect is a chipmunk (I've seen one a while ago, along with a hole in the soil and dirt piled up next to it) is ruining my plant. It:

- Snaps off a leaf by cutting it at the end of the stem where it joins the vine, and just leaves it there.
- Slices open a vine, eating the portion it ripped off (like peeling a bananna), leaving only half the vine left.

I watered earlier today and all was fine. I then went out around 2 hours later, and saw that about 12" of a vine was hollowed out.

I've set up live traps and the area is already fenced in. Does anyone have any ideas of what is doing this and how to prevent it?

Thanks.

7/11/2008 5:02:32 PM

New Jersey

I can't believe this. It JUST did it again. The trap was closed but nothing was inside. This is the only plant I have, it does not look good.

Here is the picture from earlier today and just now:

http://i36.tinypic.com/2uj2o7a.jpg
http://i38.tinypic.com/1ean2g.jpg

7/11/2008 6:52:11 PM

Long Island,New York

Squirrels did that to me a couple years ago....ended my season by ruining 3 plants at home. I think they were searching for water/moisture. Why arent those vines burried?

7/11/2008 9:02:05 PM

Topsfield, Ma.

Boy that is ugly! Sorry I can't identify your culprit. I'm hard pressed to believe it's chipmonks. I've suffered woodchuck damage way too often but they have only eaten leaves, never the vines? Maybe try a live trap with some terminated secondary vines as bait? Not too promising a suggestion I know as he already has access to the patch somehow? Is your fence buried below grade? maybe there's a tunnel somewhere? Best of luck and keep us posted.

7/11/2008 9:05:44 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

It does look like a thirsty critter has found a solution to his thirst at your expense.

Bird shot, .22 long, Miller's Hot Sauce, better trap, good dog, etc.

7/11/2008 10:23:50 PM

derry n.h u.s.a.

cucurb.it looks like you've got a nibbler!I have a skunk and chipmonk that visit my patch,They dont bother the plants,could be mice of some kind.Skunks dig for grubs but dont bother the plant(except digging)i suggest seting up a couple big mouse traps 4x7 large one cheese and peanut buter work well. hope this helps

7/11/2008 11:37:08 PM

Mount Prospect,illinois

I have had the same thing the past 2 years. I now use a "have a heart" trap with peanut butter for the squirrels. And i use a 5 gallon bucket, 1/2 filled with water and sunflower seeds for the chipmunks (a wooden ramp up to the top of the bucket). Lots of squirrels so far. Seems to be working.

7/12/2008 12:43:07 PM

Www.extremepumpkinstore.com

put a few bowls of water down....give em the water they are looking for....then shoot that pest as soon as ya see it.

7/12/2008 1:55:06 PM

Fairport,NY

Two words:RAT TRAP!!!!!Trust me a little peanut butter and WHAM!!!!Problem solved.

7/12/2008 3:26:31 PM

New Jersey

An update:

Yesterday I found two mice in the 5 gallon bucket trap I set up.

This morning another leaf was attacked, chewed off at the base. So I look in the bucket, and there's a nice fat chipmunk in it. Coincidence? I hope any of his friends follow suit.

7/17/2008 12:48:58 PM

Long Island,New York

Does his breath smell like pumpkin plants?

7/17/2008 1:38:52 PM