From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Lombard, IL

I am a little worried about my dirt babies being munched on by raccoons and squirrels. I have rabbits covered with a good sturdy fence. Right now I am sprinkling coyote urine around my veggies and it is working. I don't know how effective it is because the cicadas are out and there is plenty of food for wildlife without having to go far. Should I spring for one of those expensive scarecrow sprinklers? Is there a do-it-yourself version?

5/26/2007 3:17:01 PM

Spanish Ontario

lead posion

5/26/2007 4:15:03 PM

Gays Mills,WI

Try sprinkling a little Blood Meal around the plants it works here.

5/26/2007 6:42:38 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

We resorted to deer fencing this year that was buried 18" all the way around due to rabbit concerns. This would stop a raccoon but won't stop a squirrel.

Squirrels hate Miller's Hot Sauce.

5/26/2007 10:08:07 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

Electric fence does a good job on raccoons, groundhogs and deer.

5/28/2007 4:51:03 PM

West Chazy,N.Y.

I would suggest an electric fence with multi. strands 2" apart. You can use stove pipe wire and just get the controler. I used PVC pipe for post, it's cheeper than buying regular pipe and insulators. I just screwed sheet rock screws in the PVC pipe, wrapped the wire around the screw and on to the next.

5/28/2007 5:39:18 PM

Lombard, IL

Thanks for the suggestions, but I can't do an electric fence. I have two small children. Maybe I will just get the sprinkler.

5/28/2007 10:04:44 PM

addison Il

Pumpkin mom belive it or not our patch had bunnies in it last yr and they did not even touch the plants the only time they would munch on the plants is in times of low water. The racoons will be after your pumpkins yes but not after your plants themselves. We have never had any animal damage to our plants save the darn cukes and of course our personal patch elephants the dogs hence the fence we put up this yr.If your really worried when your pumpkins start to get big you can cover them at night with a box type structure made from wood and chicken wire. The scarecrow thing sounds ok but imagine that thing going off alot on hot humid nights and a couple days later you got yourself the worst case of powedery mildew ever. Whatever you decide to do just remember this is all in fun and every yr you learn something new but most of all its all about having fun and growing because you love to grow. I wish you the best of the best and hoping you grow a pumpkin so big the kids will use it as a fort LOL.

5/28/2007 10:17:24 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Actually, a motion operated sprinkler has been known to work on some varmints. It's worth a shot!

5/28/2007 10:17:40 PM

New Carlisle IN

Meijer carries an animal repellent by Bonide, seems to work for me. I agree with curvy about rabbits, their not a problem as long as theres nearby dandelions <a favorite bunny food> and an excuse not to mow my lawn.
Terry

5/28/2007 10:53:30 PM

Roselle, IL GJGEM@sbcglobal.net

I covered my pumpkins last year with heavy blankets. You can cover them when they are small with laundry baskets. I had to trap and relocate some raccoons.

5/29/2007 7:58:09 AM

Lombard, IL

I like the box idea a lot. I think I will try that. It is a lot cheaper and I didn't think about powdery mildew. See, that's why I come here. I get get advice from people who have "been there and done that".

5/30/2007 8:45:49 AM

Delaware, Ohio

Shoot em....sorry PETA. Something ate my Huffer :(

6/9/2007 12:20:21 AM