Critter problem

jobranch · Post by **jobranch** » Aug 19, 2007 9:06 am

I have something that is playing in the dirt around the base of some of my newly planted hostas. It digs the dirt up. My daughter has a cat, but the cat would have to get so close to the plant that I don't think she is the problem. Any guesses? It is digging in only the newly planted hostas: August Moon, Invincible, Guacomole, Francis Williams, Gold Standard, Krossa Regal, Elegans, etc.

Thanks,
Jeff

jobranch · Post by **jobranch** » Aug 19, 2007 9:07 am

P.S. What do I do to stop the rodent that is doing this?

lovem · Post by **lovem** » Aug 19, 2007 9:21 am

i have squirrels that like to dig where i dig. some days i plant small plants and they dig them up and leave them lay there to dry out. i trap them and find them new homes

eastwood2007 · Post by **eastwood2007** » Aug 19, 2007 9:21 am

still might be the cat...they like fresh dirt...

VThosta/daylilylover · Post by **VThosta/daylilylover** » Aug 19, 2007 1:22 pm

I would put down some screening material with a little dirt on top or put it under some mulch.

bengal · Post by **bengal** » Aug 19, 2007 1:30 pm

I have read that squirrels will dig in and around newly planted areas - plants, bulbs, whatever. I've seen them do it here. Probably what's going on at your place.

woodthrush · Post by **woodthrush** » Aug 19, 2007 2:53 pm

Skunks will also dig in soil that has been loosened. They like bugs and grubs. They like voles too.
Pam

hagranger · Post by **hagranger** » Aug 19, 2007 4:25 pm

Most likely squirrels, but opossum, raccoons and skunks also will dig in the newly turned soil looking for bugs and grubs.
Helen

MollyD · Post by **MollyD** » Aug 19, 2007 4:47 pm

I have the same problem here. It's either squirrels or chipmunks. I set mouse and rat traps around my plants. Also I spread red pepper very thickly around the plants. Between those it seemed to deter most of the digging.

MollyD

jobranch · Post by **jobranch** » Aug 19, 2007 7:19 pm

Thanks for the red pepper suggestion. I'll try that.

SUEDIA · Post by **SUEDIA** » Aug 19, 2007 8:46 pm

I have used Liquid Fence for Rabbits, Dogs and Cats. I think that is what it says. Not the one for deer, but I sometimes use both when I see deer tracks in the hosta bed. Anyway, I use a root growth stimulator when I plant and I think coons like the smell of it and dig my new plants up. When I spray newly planted hostas with the Liquid Fence they leave them alone. If I forget I know it.
Good Luck,
Sue