Squirrels eating pseudobulbs? Control?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Although I have not caught them red-handed, I suspect squirrels (or possibly mice) are eating the pseudobulbs of some of my plants, especially Cymbidiums.

I already use Metaldehyde bait to control for snails and slugs. Whatever it is seems to have no interest in the leaves. For these reasons I don't suspect snails, slugs or caterpillars.

The culprit is eating an entire pseudobulb or two at a time, mostly the older ones so far. Cymbidiums have been the main target but I have seen damage to My Bletia, a Bulbophyllum, and a Cattleya.

Has anyone else experienced similar damage? How do you control squirrels? The plants are in the back yard, which is where my dogs spend part of the day, they are not deterred. Looking for a repellant.

Poison not an option. Neither are firearms.

[Ray]

Have you considered Hot Pepper Wax, or a homemade version?

[Orchid Whisperer]

Thanks Ray, I will give that a try.

[katrina]

Chipmunk will do the same thing. I've had it happen and the only way to stop it is to make sure they can't get access.

That and maybe feed them something they like better. I don't know if it's a coicidence or not but since we started putting out corn and peanuts for them I haven't seen as much damage to the plants. I still get a bit...but it's not as bad as it was a few years ago.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Thanks katrina, I may be able to do something with netting.

[rbarata]

I'm glad we don't have them here.

[estación seca]

Netting won't work. It has to be wire hardware cloth or window screening. They fit through amazingly small holes and they chew through netting and shade cloth easily to get at the tasty treats inside.

I use a live trap baited with an apple slice to catch them. My friends in the herpetological society take it from there.

[PaphMadMan]

There are rodent repellent products made with fox (or other predator) urine. The squirrelzillas in my neighborhood just laughed and continued to trash anything on my balcony. I gave up.

[Pattywack]

Do you have a dog crate your not using or know of anyone with a spare? If I were to put my plants outside I would try using one I happen to have. You could find used crates on Craig's list. Might have to modify it with wire mesh depending on the spaces between the wire.

[Leafmite]

Can you get creative with Steel wool? I use it to deter the little critters from digging in my flower beds (where I don't have rue, tansy, wormwood or some other unsavory herb). Squirrels, mice and chipmunks will not chew through it and it hurts their little paws, too. One should use gloves when handling it.

By steel wool, I mean the fine stuff that you buy at the hardware store. It works very well.

The most bitter of herbs is rue and I have never seen anything nibble on it. The wormwood plant has an aroma and it seems to help deter the mammals, too, as well as insects.

Good luck!