Question
Hello Mike, we are growing English cucumbers in our garden on a trellis.  Some little mammal is getting them before we can.  They eat chunks out of them and sometimes leave chunks around the garden.  There are clear teeth marks.  I read that rabbits don't usually like cucumbers.  Do squirrels eat cucumbers?  A net and Critter Ritter (pepper) and even spraying the cucumbers with a soap solution have not discouraged the animal(s).

Answer
Mary, it could be one of several animals, but is most likely a gopher, raccoon, or opossum. If repellent sprays are not working, your only option is to trap the animal. I use a Havahart live trap, which can be purchased on line or at most garden centers. It does no harm to the animal. Simply bait the trap with sardines or try apples covered with peanut butter. The animal enters and triggers the trap door. Check the trap every morning, and then relocate the animal to a nearby park or wooded area that is at least 1/2 mile from your home.

Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike