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Wooster, Ohio

I lost two pumpkins last week because something was coming into my garden at night and biting the pumpkins and breaking their stems. They would also dig up and eat the young tender roots. Last night I decided to set some traps before I lost all of my pumpkins. This morning I awoke to find a opossum sitting in my box trap. I was expecting to catch a ground hog. Has anyone else had similar problems with pests other than insects? If so any advice other than a fence? Thanks!

7/16/2001 12:40:18 PM

South Hill, Virginia

you should check out the growers diary for Bruiser. he has had success in battling a bad varmit problem this year.

7/16/2001 1:20:47 PM

Herndon, VA

Since you were lucky enough to trap it, you may be ok if you just relocate the animal. I think I read somewhere the recommendation is at least 5 miles away. The only working solution to my groundhog problem was an electric fence, which was costly, so I would only suggest it as a last resort. --Bruiser

7/16/2001 5:54:56 PM

Connecticut

I also have had a problem with varmits and I have trapped and relocated a mouse, a chipmunk, and now I am after the squirrels and rabbits. Thank god I have no opossoms or woodchucks!

7/17/2001 9:56:16 AM

Mount Airy, N.C.

I know that you don't want to put up an electric fence, but I wouldn't take nothing for mine. In addition, I have a trap that has caught 10 groundhogs so far. As of now, I haven't had any problems with these types of pests. Check the paper or yard sales for electric fence boxes, sometimes you can find a good buy there. Also, I used 2" PVC pipe to run my electric fence wire through, which makes a cheap post. I have approximately $100 in my electric fence set-up.

7/17/2001 9:47:41 PM

Webster, NY

Has anyone ever had any problems with muskrats? We have one living in the retention pond behind us, that I see occasionally. I've never had a problem, and I'm not really sure what they eat. For the most part, I'm just curious. Thanks.

7/18/2001 10:34:13 AM

Western Pa.

Dave,

Muskrats eat only plants and aquatic vegetation.(no fish!) They move into my pond twice a year, in the Spring and Fall, but I don't believe they like pumpkins, or any other garden produce. You should try to eliminate them,however, because they'll make babies, and are terribly detrimental to the banks of the pond. They will ruin a pond if given enough time!

kilr

7/18/2001 11:20:03 AM